Irini Mourtzoukou Arrested on Unrelated Charges Amid Ongoing Investigation into Child Deaths

Irini Mourtzoukou, a key figure in a high-profile homicide investigation involving the deaths of five children, was arrested on Tuesday evening on unrelated libel charges filed by her stepfather.

Mourtzoukou, 24, spent the night at the General Police Directorate of Attica (GADA) and is set to appear before the Court of First Instance today at noon.

The charges stem from a lawsuit filed by her stepfather, who accused Mourtzoukou of libel after she claimed he fathered her two children through rape. Her arrest occurred while she was at the Ampelokipi Police Station to file a complaint against a journalist for alleged defamation. Unaware of the pending lawsuit, Mourtzoukou was taken into custody and later transferred to the Evelpidon court complex, where she was detained overnight.

Her lawyer, Dimitris Petropoulos, confirmed her detention, saying, "She will remain detained today and will appear tomorrow at noon in the Second Autofromos Single Member Court." Mourtzoukou herself expressed distress during the arrest, telling a MEGA reporter, "I am not well at all, but I am calm."

No Connection to the Homicide Case

Authorities clarified that Mourtzoukou’s legal situation is not related to the homicide investigation involving the deaths of five children, which has drawn significant public scrutiny.

Speaking on Society Hour MEGA, National Police spokesperson Constantia Demoglidou said Mourtzoukou’s testimony is not currently needed for the homicide inquiry. "The homicide team is focused on awaiting forensic reports for the last child. They do not believe her testimony is still required at this time," she stated.

The arrest reportedly caused tension during Mourtzoukou’s transfer between police stations, though Demoglidou added that the situation has since stabilised.

George Kalliakmanis, honorary president of police officers in Southeast Attica, emphasised the need to prioritise resources. "Police will locate her when her testimony is necessary for the case involving the five children. It’s not practical to mobilise forces for a defamation case," he remarked.

Next Steps

Mourtzoukou’s court appearance today is expected to address the libel allegations against her. Meanwhile, the homicide investigation continues.

(Source: To Vima)