Tensions Erupt in Korcone’s Trial at the Lamia Court – Defense Lawyer Resigns

The trial of former special guard Epameinonda Korcone, held at the Mixed Jury Court of Lamia, commenced and was interrupted on April 4th amidst significant tensions and three major adjournments. The defense lawyer resigned in protest over the stance taken by the family’s lawyer of the murdered victim, Zoi Konstantopoulou. The first tension arose when the lawyers representing the family of the deceased Alexi Gregoriou, Nikos Konstantopoulos and Zoi Konstantopoulou, sought to intervene in the process examining whether or not to grant a reduction for his previous law-abiding life, which had previously allowed Korcone to be released from prison twice. According to Ms. Konstantopoulou, “in such a criminal procedure, we cannot act foolishly,” sparking a reaction from defense lawyer Despoina Sveroni, who emphasized that this strategy undermines the rights of her client. Ultimately, the Larissa-based lawyer filed her resignation, with Ms. Konstantopoulou reminding reporters that her colleague had been an elected Golden Dawn MP in the neighboring district (elected in January 2015 and left Golden Dawn in 2018, joining the Patriotic Radical Union). Following this development, the court attempted to appoint a new lawyer for the accused, but Korcone refused and requested to leave the courtroom, stating he could no longer endure the lies being heard. This outburst was condemned by Ms. Konstantopoulou, accusing him of manipulation and implying he expects something from the court. Initially, the court appointed lawyer Michalis Astrakas, facing strong resistance from Korcone who insisted on his decision. Mr. Astrakas withdrew, declaring he wouldn’t defend someone under duress, while the accused eventually accepted the appointment of another lawyer, Giorgos Zelenitsas. The constant back-and-forth was criticized as a ‘legal pantomime’ by Mr. Konstantopoulos. To familiarize himself with the case, Mr. Zelenitsas will cause the trial to resume on April 4th.