The prosecutor in the trial recommended the acquittal of three police officers accused of gang-raping a 19-year-old woman inside the Omonia police station in Athens—where they are stationed. The recommendation sparked strong reactions in the courtroom, with the prosecutor emphasizing—in forceful terms—that the court is not a ‘court of morals’ but a criminal court, and that, in his assessment, criminal liability for the alleged rape inside the Omonia station had not been established beyond reasonable doubt.
Sharp Criticism, But No Criminal Conviction Sought
While recommending acquittal on the rape charges, the prosecutor—speaking before the Mixed Jury Court of Athens—strongly condemned the officers’ conduct. He described their behaviour as deeply unprofessional, noting that even if their interactions with the young woman inside the station were consensual, such conduct constituted serious disciplinary misconduct.
‘They behaved disgracefully,’ he said. ‘What they did is condemnable—there are no asterisks or caveats here. They discredited and undermined the service; they demeaned themselves and showed no respect for their own dignity. Even if contact was consensual, they still had a duty to protect the young woman and uphold the integrity of the police force. They have committed grave disciplinary violations—but moral condemnation does not equate to criminal guilt. This court must judge criminal acts—not disciplinary infractions. We are not here to pass judgment on character or conduct; that was addressed in disciplinary proceedings. To convict, we require full proof. While the sexual act itself was proven, consent was not disproven.’
Charges and Recommendations
Regarding the specific charges, the prosecutor asked for the acquittal of two officers on the charge of gang rape due to reasonable doubt. He also recommended the third officer be acquitted of complicity in rape. However, he requested the second officer be found guilty of violating personal data protection laws—for secretly filming the events in the station’s changing rooms.
According to the woman’s complaint, on the evening of 11 October 2022, she approached the three officers—who were patrolling in Thiseio—to ask about an issue at the restaurant where she worked. They claimed ignorance and suggested she speak to the duty officer at the Omonia police station. Once there, she alleges, two of them led her to the station’s changing rooms and raped her—while one recorded the assault on video. In their statements, the two officers maintained the sexual contact was consensual.