‘I’m devastated’: John Macris’ widow breaks silence as alleged killers front court in Greece

·

John Macris’ widow Viktoria Karida has wept as she came face-to-face with the men accused of executing the former Sydney gangster in cold blood in Greece.

The former model and reality TV star was overcome with grief as the Bulgarian brothers accused of the hit on Macris were brought into an Athens court on Wednesday night.

Ms Karida, wearing a green and black striped shirt, black jeans and sneakers, had to step out of the room.

“I am devastated but I remain strong,” she said during a break in the proceedings.

Viktoria Karida, widow of slain Sydney gangster John Macris, arrives in court in Greece. Picture: Spyros Bakalis.

Yuliyanov J Raychev Serafim has been charged with first degree murder for allegedly shooting Macris, who had links to organised crime in Sydney before he moved to Greece in 2013.

Macris was shot at close range when he arrived at his home in Voula, an up-market hillside suburb of the Greek capital.

Serafim’s brother Milen Raychev was accused of driving the Nissan Pulsar getaway car, after allegedly stalking Macris for 19 days before the shooting in October 2018.

The brothers have denied the charges saying they could not be hitmen because professionals would not have used their own names to check into hotels and their own passports.

However, CCTV of the shooting shows a man wearing clothes similar to those found in Serafim’s hotel room, along with a receipt.

Milen Raychev, who is accused of being an accessory to the murder of John Macris, is lead into court in Athens by police. Picture: Spyros Bakalis.

In court on Wednesday night, Serafim, wearing a white shirt and a face mask because of coronavirus concerns, smiled at his wife.

She was dressed in white with a scarf, and was on the verge of tears, and he was also supported by his mother.

Serafim, who has tattoos on his neck and and fingers, told the court he would speak in English, as a translator negotiated the complicated trial.

There were at least 50 people in the small courtroom, with proceedings moved to a different part of the court after the jury of two men and two women was empanelled.

Prominent Greek defence lawyer, Alexandros Lykourezos, had complained that the brothers were sitting behind the prosecution and demanded they be moved.

Defence lawyer Alexandros Lykourezos. Picture: Spyros Bakalis.

There was a heavy police presence in the courtroom, with three officers guarding the brothers, while another three were also there.

Ms Karida, the mother of two of Macris’ children, arrived at the court alone but she was later joined by make up artist, Prokopis Makrilakis, who she has been friends with for 17 years.

She had said in Greek media reports last week: “I don’t know how I will react when I’ll face the [accused] killers. I’ve thought about various things. I don’t know if I will find the strength to stand up to [those] who [allegedly] deprived my children of their father.”

“I have nothing to say to them … My children are crying and asking for their father.”

The former Playboy model also revealed last week that her children Alexandra and Achilles had found out how their father was killed by watching it on YouTube.

The children, who were at a five-star hotel on the Greek Island of Paros at the weekend, had posted heartfelt messages to their dad online, on what would have been his 48th birthday.

“Daddy, I love you a lot, I will never forget you,” a translated message from Achilles said.

His daughter Alexandra wrote: “Daddy, I love you a lot, you are the best. There is no other like you, you are very kind, happy birthday.”

More to come.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

Canberra’s Hellenic Kids returns with three creative Christmas workshops

Get ready for a festive experience this Christmas with Hellenic Kids as the popular Christmas Workshops return on Wednesday, December 18.

Kayla Itsines’ Adelaide home sells for record price

Fitness star Kayla Itsines has cashed in on the sale of an 100-year-old gentleman’s bungalow she purchased back in 2017.

Mother’s Day for Greek Australians: A time for love, memory and reflection

The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Ancient Greek and Roman festivals which honoured the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.