The trial for the 2021 murder of 21-year-old Faye Bakoyorgou in Kypseli has begun at the Mixed Jury Court in Greece, following multiple adjournments.
Faye’s tragic death captured national attention after her body was discovered wrapped in a blanket and discarded near a garbage bin in the Patisia area. The case has sparked outrage and highlighted systemic failures in both law enforcement and social care.
Father’s Emotional Testimony
The victim’s father delivered a harrowing testimony as the trial opened, describing his anguish and accusing the main defendant, Faye's landlady, of taking his daughter’s life. He also detailed the strained relationships within his family, suggesting that jealousy among siblings and exploitation by others contributed to the tragic outcome. "They threw my child away like a dog," he told the court in an emotional outburst, blaming both the accused and the authorities for their failure to protect Faye.
The father criticised law enforcement, alleging delays in responding to reports about Faye’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her body. "The police are a zero. Nobody called me. I only learned on November 11 that she was already buried," he testified, recounting the horrific conditions in which his daughter's body was found.
The Accused and Courtroom Tensions
The three defendants—Faye’s landlady, mother, and sister—stand accused of charges including intentional homicide, human trafficking, and dangerous bodily harm. Tensions flared in the courtroom when the sister, also an accused, was seen laughing during proceedings. "Do you see something funny? You are accused of something very serious," the presiding judge reprimanded her.
The Case Timeline
Faye was reported missing in October 2021, prompting a search that ended in tragedy. Her body was discovered wrapped in a blanket by a local worker, who alerted authorities after lifting the blanket with a stick. An investigation revealed a disturbing history of abuse and exploitation in the household.
The prosecution’s case is built on forensic evidence and testimony, including that of forensic expert Socrates Tsantiris, whose findings are said to have been critical in pushing the case forward. Witnesses have provided chilling accounts of the conditions Faye endured, painting a picture of a vulnerable young woman subjected to horrific abuse.
Charges and Implications
The defendants face serious charges, including murder, human trafficking, forced termination of pregnancy, and bodily harm. The trial seeks to bring justice for Faye and shed light on broader systemic issues that failed to protect her.