The trial regarding the December 2023 incidents in Rentis, which resulted in the killing of police officer Giorgos Lyggeridis, continued on Thursday with testimonies from Olympiacos fans who were present at the “Melina Merkouri” Stadium.
A witness testified that a key defendant gave a signal for fans to exit the stadium shortly before the clashes.
The atmosphere remained heavy as the proceedings coincided with St. George’s name day. During a court recess, the mother of the fallen officer distributed sweets in memory of her son, saying she did so “so my child’s soul may rest in peace and so that justice is served, because a young man was murdered so brutally, bleeding out on a sidewalk for no reason.”
The father of Giorgos Lyggeridis was visibly overcome with emotion. Speaking in court, he referred to his son -who would have celebrated his name day- describing him as a “brave boy” who lost his life unjustly.
“I wanted him near me today, by my side, to hold him tight in my arms, to tell him how much I love him... because that love still exists,” he told the court.
Testimonies and evidence
The Lyggeridis family has been closely following testimonies describing the events of the fatal night of December 7, 2023.
According to one witness, more than 30 individuals dressed in black and with their faces covered exited the stadium following a hand signal from a key defendant.
“I heard, though I cannot confirm it, that he is the one who handed the naval flare to a young man,” the witness added.
The father also referred to the lack of security measures: “It was mentioned that no checks were carried out at the entrance. With a single hand gesture, they all went outside without being told anything. This means they knew -it was an organized attack.”
Legal developments
The family’s legal counsel has asked the court to rule on a prosecutor’s proposal to forward the trial minutes to the Piraeus Prosecutor’s Office, in order to examine possible criminal liability of the then Police Chief.
“Many things happened that day involving that officer as well,” the father said. “When he comes here, he has a lot to tell us. I want him to look me in the eye... No checks were made; nothing was done.”
The court is expected to issue its decision on the procedural request in late May.
Proceedings and testimonies are ongoing.
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