Athens prosecutor recommends acquittal for police officers in Omonia rape trial, citing doubts over consent

Background of the case

The case dates back to the night of 11 October 2022, when the 19-year-old woman approached two police officers on patrol in the Thiseio neighborhood of Athens to ask about a problem at the restaurant where she worked. According to her testimony, the officers took her to the Omonia police station and raped her there. The three defendants, two accused of gang rape and one of complicity, have claimed the sexual acts were consensual, describing their actions as a mistake.

Prosecutor's recommendation

On 8 July 2026, the prosecutor of the Mixed Jury Court of Athens proposed the acquittal of all three officers on the felony charges. The prosecutor argued that the evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the sexual acts were non-consensual, citing serious gaps, contradictions, and inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony.

The sexual act was proven, but it was not proven that there was no consent.

However, the prosecutor asked the court to convict one of the officers for violating personal data laws, as he had filmed the encounter in the station's locker rooms.

Reasoning on consent

The prosecutor detailed why the complainant's account did not establish lack of consent. He noted that her behavior did not align with that of a frightened victim of violence: she did not say "no," showed no refusal, and did not leave the room even when alone with the door half-open and unlocked. She did not call for help, despite a domestic violence office being next door.

She did not say 'no', did not show refusal. She did not leave the room even when she was alone, although the door was half-open and unlocked. She did not shout for help.

The prosecutor also stated that a change of heart after the act does not retroactively remove consent.

Criticism of the officers

While recommending acquittal on criminal charges, the prosecutor sharply criticized the officers' conduct. He described their actions as indecent and reprehensible, saying they had discredited the police service and committed serious disciplinary offenses. Even if the sexual contacts were consensual, he argued, the officers should have protected the young woman and upheld the service's dignity.

They behaved indecently. What they did is reprehensible. They exposed and discredited the service. Even if the contacts were consensual, they should have protected the girl and safeguarded the prestige of the service.

Public reaction and trial status

The prosecutor's statements drew reactions from the audience in the courtroom. He responded by emphasizing that the court's role is to judge criminal liability, not morals, and that the disciplinary aspects had already been addressed. The trial is ongoing, with defense lawyers now presenting their arguments.