In a surprising turn of events, an Athens mixed jury court acquitted two brothers on Wednesday in the high-profile trial concerning the murder of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz.
Mr. Karaivaz, an acclaimed crime reporter known for his in-depth investigative journalism, was gunned down outside his home in April 2021.
The court's decision, reached with significant majorities of 5-2 and 6-1, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to convict the 49-year-old and 41-year-old defendants.
The acquittal debunks the prosecutor's recommendation for a guilty verdict, based on allegations of premeditated homicide and illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecutor had argued that the murder was likely linked to organized crime and suggested that Karaivaz's investigative work and his plans to expose sensitive information might have been motives for the killing.
Karaivaz was known for his fearless reporting on criminal activities and corruption, which often placed him at odds with powerful criminal networks.
He had extensive connections within the Greek underworld and with corrupt police officers, making his murder a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. A
dditionally, he was a key witness in a significant National Intelligence Service (EYP) investigation into police corruption and illegal sex and gambling rackets between 2015 and 2017. This investigation had uncovered widespread corruption among law enforcement officials and implicated various figures in organized crime.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the court found the evidence presented insufficient to link the defendants to the crime.
The acquittal has sparked a range of reactions, with some questioning the effectiveness of the prosecution's case and others expressing concern about the broader implications for press freedom and justice in Greece.
The outcome of the trial raises important questions about the protection of journalists and the challenges of prosecuting crimes linked to organized crime.
As the case concludes, the debate over Karaivaz's murder and the broader issues of crime and corruption in Greece are likely to continue, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by those who dare to expose the truth.