Life sentence for death of 11-year-old Mario: Incidents outside courthouse
Relatives of the convicted man attacked journalists following a life sentence verdict for the death of 11-year-old Mario, who was killed by a stray bullet in Menidi in 2017.
Life sentence for death of 11-year-old Mario: Incidents outside courthouse
The Mixed Jury Court imposed the maximum sentence on the main defendant for the fatal injury to 11-year-old Mario, who was killed by a bullet in June 2017 at a school event in Menidi.
Immediately after the verdict was read out, individuals from the convicted man's circle attacked journalistic crews and technical equipment that were present to cover the case. Tensions escalated quickly, with shouting, pushing and scuffles with police officers who had positioned themselves around the building.
During the confrontations, provocative remarks were heard from relatives of the convicted man. One specific phrase, referring to young Mario, caused outrage and indignation.
The victim's father spoke to the media following the court decision. As he stated, his family began a lengthy legal battle nine years ago, with respect for the memory of his child and with a duty towards all the children in the area.
He emphasised that the court issued a correct decision based on the legal evidence. He also expressed hope that the verdict would send a clear message: gunfire in the air, the use of weapons and unlawful possession of firearms cannot be treated as trivial incidents.
"We want to walk the streets without the fear of a stray bullet," he stated characteristically.
The legal representatives of the family, Theodoros Mantas and Stathis Skaloubakis, expressed satisfaction with the unanimous verdict. As they noted, after nine years of waiting, justice has reached a brave decision that sends a strong message to a problematic area of Athens.
Source: Newsbeast
Source: Newsbeast