Athens court convicts two police officers of raping 19-year-old in Omonia station, rejecting prosecutor's acquittal call

Verdict against the prosecution

A majority of judges and jurors on the Mixed Jury Court of Athens convicted two police officers of rape by joint act without consent on 10 July 2026. The ruling directly contradicted the prosecutor, who had argued that while the officers committed serious disciplinary offences, the evidence did not meet the criminal standard for rape. The court converted the initial charge from gang rape to joint rape without consent before delivering the guilty verdict.

They have committed grave disciplinary offences, but despite the moral depravity, things are not clear at the level of criminal liability.

The prosecutor had told the court he was not persuaded by the complainant's testimony that she had not consented to any sexual act, citing her behaviour during the incident and the fact that she did not call for help despite a nearby domestic violence office.

The night of 11 October 2022

According to the 19-year-old's testimony, she approached the officers while they were on patrol in the Thiseio neighbourhood to ask about a problem at the restaurant where she worked. They claimed ignorance and suggested she speak to the duty officer at the Omonia police station. Once there, she said, two of the men led her to the locker room and raped her while one filmed the assault with a camera concealed in his bag.

The complainant's behaviour is not consistent with that of a frightened person who has suffered violence. No discomfort or refusal emerged; she did not say 'no', she did not show refusal.

The defendants admitted during their testimony that sexual contact occurred inside the station. They described their actions as a mistake but insisted everything happened with the woman's consent.

Data privacy conviction

One of the two convicted officers was also found guilty, by a unanimous vote, of violating personal data processing laws. He had recorded the acts with a camera placed in his bag without the 19-year-old's consent. The prosecutor had supported this specific charge even while recommending acquittal on the rape counts.

Third officer acquitted

The third police officer, who faced a charge of complicity in rape, was acquitted by majority vote. The court accepted that his involvement did not meet the threshold for criminal liability as an accessory.

Sentencing pending

The court adjourned after announcing the verdict and will reconvene in the afternoon of 10 July to hear arguments on mitigating factors and to determine the sentences for the two convicted men. The length of their prison terms will be set during that session.