Petros Philippidis on Themis Sophos and the End of Their Collaboration: ‘We Didn’t Explode, We Just Clashed’

Petros Philippidis took to the stand in the morning to explain why he requested the removal of the judicial officer and spoke about the end of his collaboration with Themis Sophos, who had been chosen to represent him when he faced charges. As Philippidis himself stated, they no longer communicate today. Characteristically, Philippidis mentioned: ‘When Themis Sophos took my case and reviewed the legal documentation, he assured me that there were elements indicating false accusations. However, after I was placed under preventive detention, my trust in him was shaken.’ He continued, ‘I thought a lot about my situation. Our relationship dissolved afterward. While I was in prison, I wanted to change lawyers. Mr. Sophos did not want to leave the case or step aside. He said, “I don’t know if this is Petros’s own decision, and I want to speak with Petros.” Eventually, we spoke on the phone, and we clashed intensely. We didn’t explode, but we clashed. He told me, “I don’t want to leave the case; you will be acquitted, and you’ll grow old with Elpida.” I told him, “I respectfully request that we do not continue together,” but he wanted to remain involved in the case. Themis Sophos might have an interest if the case is lost. He could influence his friend to ensure I lose the case.’ The presiding judge provided her explanations during the previous trial, stating that Sophos only handled part of the process and that their relationship is not close, nor is there anything that could affect her judgment. Despite this, Philippidis’s defense team insisted that there is an issue of impartiality. This particular judge is absent from today’s trial and has chosen not to disclose her reasons, labeling the allegations by Michalis Dimitrakopoulos as unethical and low-level.