Professor Handed Suspended Sentence for Demanding Kickbacks from Students

Athens, Greece - A university professor was handed a 17-month suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of attempting to extort money from his students. The court ruled that the suspension will last for three years.

The professor, whose name has not been released, was accused of demanding kickbacks from researchers participating in university programs under his supervision. According to the indictment, he specifically targeted PhD students and postgraduates, pressuring them to hand over a portion of their monthly research grants, typically between 300 and 400 euros.

One of the complainants testified that the professor threatened to withhold payments or remove students from the programs altogether if they refused to comply. "He threatened to intervene to have four monthly payments returned if I did not pay him 300 euros out of my 720-euro grant," the student claimed.

The professor, however, denied the allegations, claiming that he merely informed his students and researchers they would be required to return their grants if they failed to perform their research duties.

The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, finding the professor guilty of attempted extortion. The case has sparked outrage and concern within the academic community, highlighting the vulnerability of students and the need for stronger safeguards against exploitation.