Today began the trial for the murder of 15-year-old Alexis Grigoropoulos, who was killed on December 6, 2008 in the Athens neighborhood Exarhia. The case was postponed for February 3, but due to serious reasons the Amfisa prosecutor Vasiliki Vlahou could not appear in court and she was replaced by her colleague - the prosecutor of the Karpenisi court Mr. Lakafosis.
Defendants in the case are policemen Epaminondas Korkoneas, who is accused of murder and his colleague Vassilis Saraliotis, who is accused of direct complicity. Security measures in the city of Amfisa, where proceedings are taking place, are strict but not as much as they were during the first trial.
The case started after a lot for jurors was pulled and two substitutes were selected. When the procedure started Epaminondas Korkoneas answered to the presiding judge in connection with the accusation: "The only thing I can say is that I am sorry for what happened. I know the tests the victim's family is subjected to, but so is mine. I have children as well. I wish I could turn back time and change what has happened. I had no intention to hurt anyone, but it happened." The other accused in the case Vassilis Saraliotis only said that he is "sorry and that he was not involved, which will be proven later”.
Alexandros Grigoropulos’ mother Mrs Virgin Tsalikyan said to the court that it is impossible for her to take the stand today, so as the first witness was called Coroner Hristos Levkidis, who had drawn expertise after the death of the 15-year-old student. Alexis's mother will have to testify in court for a second time and repeat what she had said at the first court meeting because the prosecutor of the case has changed. The first time the questioning of Mrs. Tsalikyan lasted for eight hours.