In a tragic case that has shocked Greece, a court in Patras sentenced a 39-year-old man to double life imprisonment and an additional 13 years for the brutal rape and murder of his 11-year-old niece in the summer of 2024. The court determined that the crime was premeditated and heinous, emphasizing the gravity of the defendant's actions. The prosecutor stated that no mitigating circumstances were recognized, reflecting the seemingly unforgivable nature of the offense.

During the trial, the defendant expressed remorse to the devastated parents of the victim, claiming he did not intend to kill the young girl. This assertion did not sway the court, which had already established a clear narrative of the events leading to her tragic death. According to the police investigation, the accused lured the child from her home in Myrtia and transported her to a remote agricultural area in Katari, where he attacked her after she resisted his advances.

This case has not only raised questions about the safety of children in Greece but also ignited discussions about the criminal justice system's handling of such heinous acts. With the sentencing now complete, the focus shifts to how society can better protect its most vulnerable members and prevent future tragedies.