James Dalamangas will reportedly not be extradited to Australia to face charges over the 1999 stabbing death of George Giannopoulos, despite his recent arrest in Greece after almost three decades on the run.
The reported decision by Greek authorities has dealt a significant blow to the Giannopoulos family, who had hoped the arrest would finally pave the way for Dalamangas to return to New South Wales and face court over the fatal incident.
George Giannopoulos was killed in 1999 after being stabbed while attempting to break up a fight at a nightclub in Belmore, Sydney. Police subsequently issued a warrant for Dalamangas’ arrest, but investigators believed he had already fled Australia and settled in Greece.
Earlier this month, Greek authorities arrested Dalamangas in a rural area near Patras, where he was reportedly living under an assumed identity. The arrest reignited hopes that one of New South Wales’ longest-running unresolved homicide cases could finally move forward.
However, those hopes have now been dashed following reports that Greece will not extradite him to Australia.
In response, the Giannopoulos family has written to Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, urging the Federal Government to continue pursuing all available avenues to secure justice.
New South Wales Police are also understood to be examining alternative legal options following the extradition setback.
While the arrest marked a major breakthrough after 27 years, the future of the case remains uncertain as legal and jurisdictional obstacles continue to complicate efforts to bring Dalamangas before an Australian court.
