The trial of the brutal murder of Kyriaki Griva continued with a heart-wrenching testimony from her mother, Despina Kalia, at the Mixed Oratory Court. Speaking about the tragic death of her daughter outside the police station at Agioi Anargyroi, Mrs. Kalia described the accused, her daughter’s ex-partner, as a monster.
“I am the mother of Kyriaki Griva, who was murdered by this beast at the police station,” she said emotionally, breaking down during her statement. She presented photographs of family moments involving the accused and her daughter, as well as an apology message sent by him after the incident.
“These apologies are everywhere—on my phone, on hers—but we still haven’t received full justice,” she added, emphasizing the need for authorities to lift confidentiality on her daughter’s phone records.
In a dramatic moment, she handed the accused a photograph of Kyriaki’s grave and told him: “This is where I go when I want to hug my daughter. You will see your children again. I never will.”
Mrs. Kalia recounted how she learned of her daughter’s death through television. “I found out from the news. My ex-husband called me and told me what happened. I collapsed,” she said, describing the moment her life changed forever on April 1st.
During cross-examination, she revealed that Kyriaki had grown tired of the relationship, saying: “She wanted to stand on her own two feet, to escape.” The court heard how the accused allegedly subjected Kyriaki to psychological and physical abuse, controlling her finances and isolating her from loved ones.
“He drank often and became violent,” she testified, adding that the abuse escalated over time. Despite the apologies and gifts he offered afterward, nothing could undo the damage.
In an emotional outburst, Mrs. Kalia addressed the accused directly: “I wish you burn in hell. May you find no peace. My granddaughter waits for you in heaven—one last chance to take your hand and ask for forgiveness.”
The hearing also saw tension between the defense lawyer and the court president over controversial remarks suggesting the state cannot protect victims who do not seek prosecution—an assertion strongly contested by Kyriaki’s legal team.