The sister of murdered Greek Australian man George Giannopoulos has criticised the decision not to extradite James Dalamangas to Australia, saying he should face trial for the 1999 killing in Sydney.
Dalamangas, who was wanted internationally after allegedly murdering the 39-year-old in Australia before fleeing the country, was recently identified by Greek authorities after more than two decades living in the Aigialeia region of Achaia under the name “Antonis Tzimas”.
Police discovered his identity through fingerprinting, leading to his arrest. He was later jailed for seven months for forgery while Australian authorities sought his extradition over the alleged homicide.
However, the Patras Court of Appeal rejected Australia’s extradition request, with Greek authorities citing the country’s statute of limitations laws, which meant the alleged offence was considered time-barred after 20 years.
Giannopoulos’ sister, Toula, told newsit.gr the family believes the case should be heard in Australia, where the alleged crime occurred.
“Why should Dalamagas be tried in Greece? Since he committed the crime in Australia and both were born in Australia, they are not Greeks, they are Australian citizens. The best thing the Greek authorities can do is send him to be tried there,” she said.
She said the family feared Dalamangas would eventually return to society, adding: “We expect Greece to do the right thing and not to cover up criminals for so many years. And then what will happen? They will put him in prison for 2 to 2.5 years and then what? Will he be out in society?”
Toula also questioned his life in Greece, claiming he had lived without tax or professional activity under a false identity.
“We will fight until the end. How is it possible that he, a Greek citizen who has lived fraudulently hidden in Greece, has not proven anything in Greece? No taxes, nothing. And Greece wants to keep this model citizen who is a shame,” she said.
She concluded: “Greece must change its laws and stop hiding criminals.”
