In a landmark decision, a Greek court has awarded nearly one million euros in damages to the family of Eleni Topaloudi, the 21-year-old student brutally murdered in 2018.
The ruling comes after a case that shocked the nation, where two men, Manolis Koukouras and Alexandros Lujai, were found guilty of the horrific crime.
Topaloudi was raped, beaten, and thrown into the sea to drown off the coast of Rhodes.
The court recognized the "unprecedented violent acts" committed by the perpetrators and their attempts to cover up the crime.
Topaloudi's parents, the primary plaintiffs in the lawsuit, sought damages for the immense emotional distress caused by the loss of their daughter.
The court also addressed the alleged liability of the perpetrators' fathers for failing to supervise their sons, but only one father was properly served in the lawsuit, necessitating further legal action against the other.
Both Koukouras and Lujai are serving life sentences plus 15 years for their crimes.
While this court victory is significant, it is likely to be appealed.
Nevertheless, the decision represents a crucial step towards justice for Eleni Topaloudi's family and highlights the ongoing struggle for victims' rights in Greece.