ATHENS, Greece - A recent decision by an Athens appeals court has ignited outrage across Greece. The court upheld the convictions of two men involved in the brutal 2018 beating death of LGBTQ+ activist Zak Kostopoulos but significantly reduced their sentences.
Reduced Sentences Spark Protests
Thanassis Hortarias, a real estate agent (63), received a reduced sentence of 5 years in prison, while Spyros Dimopoulos, the owner of the jewellery shop where the attack occurred (81), will serve 6 years under house arrest due to age and health concerns. Both men were initially sentenced to 10 years in 2022 for "injury resulting in death" - a lesser charge than murder.
The court's decision to further reduce their sentences, citing mitigating circumstances such as the defendant's lack of prior offences and Kostopoulos's unspecified "inappropriate behaviour," has been met with widespread criticism. Kostopoulos's mother expressed her grief in court, and the decision reportedly sparked angry outbursts of "murderers!" from the courtroom audience.
The Story of Zak Kostopoulos
Kostopoulos, 33, was a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and drag performer living with HIV. He reportedly entered the jewellery store seeking refuge from unknown attackers but was instead assaulted by Hortarias and Dimopoulos. Video evidence disproves claims that Kostopoulos was attempting a robbery.
Police Brutality and Cover-Up
The case was further marred by allegations of police brutality. Disturbing videos showed arresting officers kicking Kostopoulos on the ground after the initial attack. Police initially blamed Kostopoulos, fabricating a story of a drug-fueled robbery attempt. It was only after Kostopoulos's family hired a private investigator and evidence emerged contradicting the police narrative that a proper investigation was launched.
Uncharged Officers and Ongoing Fight for Justice
Four police officers involved in the subsequent violence against Kostopoulos were previously acquitted. While the upheld convictions offer a degree of accountability, the reduced sentences and acquittal of the officers leave many unsatisfied. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Greece and highlights the ongoing fight for justice for Zak Kostopoulos.