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Corfu serial rapist re-arrested and held on new rape charge

The Greek Herald
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Corfu serial rapist re-arrested and held on new rape charge

A convicted serial rapist released early from a half-century prison term was under police guard in a Corfu hospital on Monday after suffering severe injuries trying to evade arrest on new rape charges.

Police said Dimitris Aspiotis, 47, would undergo surgery for severe back and leg injuries he suffered after falling off a seaside cliff on Saturday in the island’s southern Lefkimmi area, close to the popular Kavos tourist resort.

The suspect had to be extracted by the fire service and rescue teams brought in by sea.

Dimitris Aspiotis was re-arrested on Saturday after falling off a seaside cliff trying to evade police. Source: Keep Talking Greece.

The arrest followed a two-week manhunt in which more than 100 police, assisted by sniffer dogs, took part. During that time, the suspect, who was armed, is believed to have hidden in a remote area.

On May 9, a woman living in the area with her partner had told police that Aspiotis allegedly abducted her, kept her prisoner in a forest and repeatedly raped her over two days before she was able to escape.

Aspiotis had been convicted in 2012 of raping three female tourists in the same area in the summer of 2010. He was sentenced to a total 53 years in prison.

However, Greek law doesn’t allow convicts to serve more than 25 years in prison and usually release can be secured considerably earlier on health grounds, or if they have worked for a certain part of their sentence in prison workshops.

But Aspiotis was freed after just six years in 2018, under a new law aimed at lessening severe overcrowding in the country’s prisons. That law was heavily criticised when a series of violent criminals were freed after serving a fraction of their terms, and has since been scrapped for cases of rapes and other violent crimes.

Greek media reports said Aspiotis had carried out the 2010 rapes shortly after being released from prison where he had served time for another three rapes.

Police found a loaded hunting rifle, knives and survival equipment cached near where Aspiotis was arrested. Source: Ekathimerini.

Under the terms of his 2018 release, he had been obliged to appear regularly at his local police station and wasn’t allowed to leave the island.

Police said they found a loaded hunting rifle, knives and survival equipment cached near where Aspiotis was arrested.

Sourced: Ekathimerini.

Students across Australia returned to school as restrictions ease

The Greek Herald
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Students across Australia returned to school as restrictions ease

By Argyro Vourdoumpa.

On Monday morning, children in NSW and Queensland returned to school full-time after more than two months of remote learning. The ACT and Tasmania also began a part-time return to classrooms, with public schools in Victoria to follow suit tomorrow.

Australia reported only six new cases of coronavirus in the 24 hours up to 6.30am on Monday. Of the new cases, two were confirmed in Victoria, three in NSW and one in Queensland.

The Greek Herald contacted two of Australia’s Greek schools to see how students and teachers are feeling about returning to school and what additional safety measures they have in place.

Oakleigh Grammar, Victoria

“Today we brought back all of our senior school and prep students and we had only seven absences out of 250 kids. That is a strong endorsement from the parents who are sending their kids back to a safe learning environment,” said Oakleigh Grammar principal, Mark Robertson.

“We don’t allow any parents, grandparents or caregivers to come in our campus, our classrooms have been rearranged to maximise the space and ensure appropriate distancing, we are running a different timetable to our normal one and we have reduced the number of students at the playground. We have automatic santisers in the corridors and we have upgraded our cleaning to ensure that we have fully disinfected key areas like door handles and table tops,” Mr Robertson said.

“All of our staff have returned to school. There are lots of smiles on the teachers faces as they know we prioritise their safety, health and wellbeing and they’ve come back feeling very confident about resuming on campus. They are very excited to see their students.”

Asking him about the feedback he got from students, Mr Robertson replied that all were very excited to be back in their classrooms.

“Some of them said ‘we are happy to see our friends again’ or ‘remote learning was good but I was lonely because I was by myself’.”

Some of St Spyridon College students returned to school today. Supplied: St Spyridon College.

St Spyridon College, NSW

“Our College implemented a gradual return to school so that all students could have the opportunity to get into their stride, before the return of the whole K-12 school community this morning. We were so happy to see them all! There is something eerily mournful about an empty school,” said St. Spyridon Head of College,  Efrosini Stefanou-Haag.

“Throughout the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19, we have seen our teachers quickly develop the “learning from home” program. It has been extraordinary to see how rapidly our teachers moved to the virtual classroom. Our parents have been amazing in their support of teachers. This enabled us to ensure that our students continued to learn at a high level – not just in terms of content, but in terms of critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

“As has been widely realised, a school is at the very heartland of its community. There is no substitute for the dynamic, enriching experience that a school creates with and for its students. School is the best place for young people. This is where they can learn, grow and thrive – in mind, body and soul. Coming back to school was even more special as the new Infants School building was ready for children on their return. The new spaces, including the Library, STEM room, Music rooms and classrooms, are welcoming, bright and provide a rich and exciting learning environment for our students.”

St Spyridon College students practicing physical distancing.

St Spyridon College

Year 7 – Reflections of students on returning to school

Evelina Karedis – “This isolation and distancing made us realise how important human interaction is…missing our family, friends and school family.  But most of all it made us realise how important the face to face interaction with our teachers is. Isolation made us appreciate how much work and effort they put in to teach and help us in class.” 

Poem by Spyridoula Karagiorgou:

Melbourne group perform Rebetiko concert online for the first time ever

Andriana Simos
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Melbourne group perform Rebetiko concert online for the first time ever

The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble returned from “hibernation” over the weekend, with an intimate online performance of Rebetiko music for viewers around the world.

More than 10,000 people tuned in to the Rebetiko concert, which was streamed live on Facebook, where they were treated to songs from the pre and post-war rebetika era.

Works by Vassilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou and Giorgos Mitsakis were performed, along with original music from the Ensemble’s upcoming CD, ‘To Monopati,’ which is available for digital purchase and download.

Taking part in the online performance were founding members of the Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble including Stavrina Dimitriou (vocals), Achilles Yiangoulli (vocals/guitar), Dean Georgalas (bouzouki) and Con Kalamaras (baglama/vocals).

Kalamaras told The Greek Herald the concert was a way to remind the Greek community that music matters during this unprecedented time.

“Prior to lockdown, we were playing quite a bit around Melbourne, connecting with people who come to watch us play,” Kalamaras said.

“Music has been the constant thread that has kept us all sane during this unprecedented time. We want to remind our friends and the community that music matters.”

And that’s exactly what they did.

Celeste Barber’s $51 million bushfire money can’t be distributed to other charities

The Greek Herald
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Celeste Barber’s $51 million bushfire money can’t be distributed to other charities

Millions of dollars raised by Celeste Barber’s bushfire campaign cannot be distributed to other charities or states but can be given to injured firefighters, a judge has ruled.

The comedian nominated the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Brigades Donation Fund for the $51.3 million raised through her record-breaking Facebook fundraiser in January.

But the deed governing that trust only allows money to be spent on purchasing and maintaining equipment, training and administrative costs.

“Some donors may have intended or hoped that the money they donated would be used for purposes beyond those which the court has advised are permissible,” NSW Supreme Court Justice Michael Slattery said.

“Despite the trustees’ wish to honour those intentions or hopes the law provides principles that ensure a degree of certainty in the application of trust funds including charitable trust funds.”

Justice Slattery ruled the money could be given to the families of fallen firefighters and used for trauma counselling.

However, the court’s decision excluded causes which many donors expected their money to go towards, including the Australian Red Cross and animal welfare group WIRES.

Barber launched the record-breaking appeal on Facebook in January after members of her family were affected by bushfires at Eden, on the NSW south coast.

Her initial goal was to raise $30,000.

Her Facebook fundraising page clearly stated the money was intended for the Trustee for the RFS and Brigades Donation Fund.

Earlier this year the RFS said it wanted to share the money.

“We take the issue of public donations very seriously — and know everyone wants to see the funds distributed quickly and to the right places,” a spokesperson said.

Source: ABC News.

Greece anticipates grants of at least 8-10 billion euros from French-German recovery plan

The Greek Herald
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Greece anticipates grants of at least 8-10 billion euros from French-German recovery plan

The Greek government is expecting a growth boost to the tune of 1.5-2% of gross domestic product for the next three years through the EU Recovery Fund, if it is approved.

The Fund is the biggest post-lockdown weapon aiding the return to growth, with Greece anticipating at least 8-10 billion euros, while the amount due could be far higher.

Sources say Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has already spoken with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of the submission of the Commission’s proposal on Wednesday, formed on the basis of a French-German agreement for a €500 million fund.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen (left) met with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right), earlier this year.

The Greek government is particularly pleased by the fact the assistance, according to the proposal, will be given in the form of grants and not loans that would add an additional burden to Greece’s national debt. Of course this would need to be approved by Austria, which voiced its opposition from the start, but also by Sweden, Denmark, Finland and The Netherlands.

Another plus for Greece is a provision that the assistance will be allocated on the basis of the damage suffered by each country’s economy as a result of the coronavirus.

Given that Brussels said in its spring forecasts that Greece will experience the biggest GDP reduction in the European Union, it should also get the most support, in proportional terms.

There is a question as to whether the impact on national health systems will be factored in, which would be relatively small for Greece. However, Bloomberg reported recently that Greece would definitely be among the EU states to benefit most.

The fund’s resources will allow the government to finance growth-minded policies that have been pushed aside at this point, such as the reduction of social security contributions.

READ MORE: Greek PM outlines new financial aid plan to kick-start the economy.

Victims of the Greek Pontian genocide commemorated with a prayer service in Sydney

Andriana Simos
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Victims of the Greek Pontian genocide commemorated with a prayer service in Sydney

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios held a special prayer service on May 24 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney, to commemorate the victims of the Greek Pontian genocide.

In a short speech, which was read in Greek and English by Father Nikolaos Bozikis and Father Panagiotis Mavrommatis respectively, His Eminence spoke with emotion and pride about the culture that developed in the blessed land of Pontus, focusing in particular on the flourishing of spiritual and ecclesiastical life.

“We must pass on the cultural heritage of the Pontian Greeks to the younger generations as a legacy of all humanity, of the entire human race,” His Eminence said.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios held a small memorial and prayer service for the victims of the Greek Pontian genocide. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

“Because, really, what existed in Pontus was something very unique… it was something wonderful.”

His Eminence then went on to note the historical monasteries and churches which dominated the area of Pontus, including the cradle of Pontic Hellenism, the monastery of Panagia Soumela, and the Temple of the God of Wisdom, in Trabzon.

He also recognised some of the great ecclesiastical figures who decorated the Pontic land, such as the last Metropolitan of Trabzon and later the Archbishop of Athens Chrysanthos, the Metropolitan of Cologne Gabriel and the Metropolitan of Rodopolis Ieronymos.

Representatives from the Pontian Greek community in Sydney attended the service. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

In fact, the last two Hierarchs were known personally by His Eminence during his first few years at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“I praise God for this blessing and for the spiritual legacy I received from my acquaintance with these truly great figures, with Hierarchs representing a great tradition, Pontic,” he concluded.

The small prayer service was attended by only ten representatives from the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, the Pontian Brotherhood Wollongong “O Diogenis,” Pontoxeniteas NSW, and Panagia Soumela Sydney.

READ MORE: May 19: Remembering the Greek Pontian Genocide.

Greece calls again for return of Parthenon Marbles

Andriana Simos
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Greece calls again for return of Parthenon Marbles

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, has reiterated a long-standing request for the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Acropolis Museum which was purpose-built to house the antiquities.

“It is time for the British Museum to reconsider its stance ahead of the Acropolis Museum’s next birthday, which is on June 20,” Mendoni told private broadcaster Star TV on Saturday.

“Does it want to be a museum that meets and will continue to meet modern requirements and speak to the soul of the people, or will it remain a colonial museum which intends to hold treasures of world cultural heritage that do not belong to it?”

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni (left), visited the Acropolis when it reopened on May 18, 2020. Source: AFP.

The minister said that the reopening of archaeological sites last week was an opportunity for the international committees to reiterate their long-standing request, and that of the Greek government’s, for their return.

“The Parthenon Marbles are a product of theft and therefore, Greece will never recognise ownership and possession by the British Museum,” Mendoni said.

READ MORE: Acropolis reopens along with 200 other Greek archaeological sites.

The ancient friezes, which include depictions of battles between mythical ancient Greeks and centaurs, were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and are now on display at the British Museum in London.

Greece has been campaigning for three decades for their return, arguing that the Ottoman Empire was an occupying force and any permission granted to Lord Elgin during its time is not valid.

However, the British Museum continues to refuse to return the Parthenon Marbles.

Despina Savva stuns with amazing singing talent on The Voice Australia 2020

Andriana Simos
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Despina Savva stuns with amazing singing talent on The Voice Australia 2020

Greek Australian, Despina Savva, stunned judges and viewers with her rendition of Billie Eilish’s hit song ‘idontwannabeyouanymore’ at the blind auditions for The Voice Australia 2020.

Despina turned the chair of all four judges, Boy George, Delta, Kelly Rowland and Guy, but ultimately chose Boy George as her coach for this season.

“Auditioning for The Voice Australia 2020 was the most amazing experience! It has always been my dream to be on The Voice and now that I’m actually on it, it doesn’t feel real,” Despina told The Greek Herald over the weekend.

Despina Savva had her brother and parrot for support during her blind auditions for The Voice Australia 2020. Source: news.com.au.

“I had so much excitement and adrenaline in me and was nervous to see if I would even get a chair turn.”

Her singing success was only made more special by the appearance of her pet parrot, which she brought along backstage for support.

Despina will now move forward to the Battle Rounds to compete against the other contestants in Boy George’s team. Her growing fan base across Australia will be behind her every step of the way.

Greek man stabbed to death inside his Sydney home

Andriana Simos
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Greek man stabbed to death inside his Sydney home

Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a 39-year-old Greek man was allegedly stabbed to death inside his own home in Sydney’s west this morning.

Kevin Kourtis died from multiple stab wounds after five men allegedly stormed into his home in Riverstone just after midnight.

Two women, aged 34 and 43, were also at the Langton Street address when the alleged ambush occurred.

Paramedics were called to the home just after 12.30am, where they performed emergency treatment on the 39-year-old victim but he died a short time later.

The 34-year-old woman was also taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

Police have established several crime scenes, which are being examined by specialist forensic police.

The Riot Squad, PolAir and the Dog Squad were called in to help police search the surrounding area. Within minutes, the two boys, aged 16 and 17, were found on nearby Regent Street and arrested.

They were taken to Riverstone Police Station, where they have since been charged with murder. Both teens have been refused bail and will face children’s court tomorrow.

Police are still looking for the other three people allegedly involved in the attack.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

His Eminence shows confidence in front-line workers of Greek Welfare Centre

The Greek Herald
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His Eminence shows confidence in front-line workers of Greek Welfare Centre

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios visited the front-line workers and management of the Greek Welfare Centre in Newtown, Sydney on Thursday 21st May.

His Eminence spoke cordially with the Director, Mr. Steve Magdalopoulos, and with management and staff of the Centre, thanking everyone for their strong dedication they show in performing their God-pleasing work.

“To find people who truly believe in what they do and to do it with all their heart is not easy,” he said.

Furthermore, he expressed his confidence in the people who are at the front-line of service of the holy Archdiocese’s organisation, characteristically stating that “I feel very blessed and fortunate to have you. And I also feel very secure because I know that the work that you do, you perform it correctly.”

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios assured the Centre’s management and staff that he is and will continue to be by their side during this crisis and beyond.

Photos: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Australia

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