A Greek court has sentenced 40-year-old Athanassios Kourelis to life in prison, plus five years and a €1,000 fine, for the premeditated murder of his former partner 28-year-old Kyriaki Griva outside a police station in Agioi Anargyroi on April 1, 2024.
Griva had gone to the station to report Kourelis for abuse when he fatally stabbed her. The case sparked public outrage amid criticism of police inaction.
A mixed jury unanimously found Kourelis guilty of murder committed in a calm state of mind, illegal weapon possession and use, and drug possession. His claims of mental illness were rejected.
Griva’s family wept in court, with her father shouting at the accused, “Do you see, Thanassakis, what you did? You turned her into a photo.” Kourelis remained expressionless.
Prosecutors argued the attack was calculated and controlling, highlighting Kourelis’ use of a smartwatch to monitor Griva’s movements.
“The violence was extreme – he stabbed her five times, breaking bone,” the prosecutor said. “That’s not the act of someone out of control.”
The court found no evidence of psychiatric disorder and concluded the murder was deliberate and methodical.
Source: Ekathimerini.
