Trial of Sifis Valyrakis: 'I was afraid they would implicate me, that's why I didn't go to testify at the Coast Guard'
A retired fisherman testified that the boats of the two accused fishermen were in the harbor at the time of Sifis Valyrakis's death.
In the ongoing trial regarding the death of Sifis Valyrakis, a retired fisherman, Panagiotis Seras, provided critical testimony indicating that the boats of the two accused fishermen were present at the harbor when the incident allegedly occurred. He described how on January 24, 2021, he had taken his fishing boat out and noticed Valyrakis's inflatable alongside another larger vessel. Seras stated that he observed the two boats positioned next to each other, thus raising questions about the timeline presented by the defense.
Seras recounted that on the morning of the incident, he was engaged in preparing his own boat for use and went out to sea for a limited period. Notably, he clearly remembers seeing the accused's vessel at the harbor both when he left and upon his return. This testimony is pivotal in setting the scene of the event and could significantly influence the trial's outcome.
The courtroom atmosphere was charged as the witness recounted vital details of that day, highlighting his concern that he might be implicated in the incident, which ultimately prevented him from approaching the Coast Guard earlier. The implications of his testimony not only bear significance on the figures involved but also on the broader narrative of maritime safety and accountability in the region, particularly regarding similar cases that may occur in the future.