Life sentence for main defendant in death of 11-year-old Mario in Menidi
A unanimous decision by the Mixed Jury Court of Athens imposed a life sentence on the main defendant for the murder of Mario Soulouko, who died from a stray bullet.
Life sentence for main defendant in death of 11-year-old Mario in Menidi
The main defendant in the murder of Mario Soulouko, the 11-year-old who lost his life from a stray bullet in Menidi, was unanimously sentenced to life imprisonment. The Mixed Jury Court of the capital recognised no mitigating circumstances for the convicted person, fully following the prosecutor's recommendation.
The court president described the verdict as difficult, but emphasised that it was reached jointly by all members of the bench. Prosecutor Antonis Kasapis had previously sought the maximum penalty for the main defendant, invoking the crime of manslaughter with possible intent. As for the second defendant, the prosecutor sought his acquittal on the charge of attempted manslaughter, as the relevant legislative provision had been repealed during the period 2019–2021.
Before announcing the verdict, the prosecutor had pre-announced the rejection of any request for mitigating circumstances. This proposal was accepted by the courtroom with applause.
Almost a decade after the loss of the child, Mario's mother broke down in tears when the verdict was read, crying out her son's name. Relatives and friends of the victim watched from the school forecourt.
For his part, the convicted man burst into sobs. His wife claimed his innocence, whilst he himself protested loudly saying he had been convicted unjustly.
Prosecutor Antonis Kavalaros of the bench had characterised the crime as particularly serious, both for the victim and for society, demanding the maximum prescribed penalty.
Source: Ta Nea
Source: Ta Nea