The news in Greek
Η υπόθεση φόνοι του Άλκη Καμπάνου επιστρέφει στο προσκήνιο με νέο δίκη στο Εφετείο Θεσσαλονίκης. Δώδεκα οπαδοί της ΠΑΟΚ είναι κατηγορούμενοι για το θάνατο του Άλκη. Επτά κατηγορούμενοι καταδικάστηκαν σε ισόβια κάθειρξη. Ο δικαστής επανεξετάζει τις ποινές. Ο Άλκης ήταν 19 ετών και ήταν με τους φίλους του όταν έγινε το επεισόδιο.
Translation
The case of Alkis Kampanos' murder returns to the limelight with a new trial at the Thessaloniki Court of Appeal. Twelve fans of PAOK are accused of Alkis's death. Seven defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge is re-evaluating the sentences. Alkis was 19 years old and was with his friends when the incident occurred.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: How many people are accused in the Alkis Kampanos case?
Twelve people are accused.
Question 2: What was Alkis Kampanos doing when the incident happened?
He was with his friends.
Exercise: Vocabulary
Read the full story
▌11/01/2025
The Alkis Kampanos murder case has returned to prominence as the Thessaloniki Court of Appeal begins to re-evaluate the initial verdict delivered 18 months ago. The case involves the tragic death of 19-year-old Alkis Kampanos, attributed to violence among football supporters of the PAOK club.
A group of twelve young PAOK fans are once again standing trial. Seven of them previously received life sentences, along with additional extended imprisonment, for joint manslaughter with possible intent, while five others were given temporary prison sentences as accomplices to the act. The Appeals Court proceedings open up the possibility for a fresh assessment, as it is not bound by the previous court's decision. This is due to the appeal lodged by Nikos Kallidis, the head of the Thessaloniki Public Prosecutor’s Office, who argued for harsher penalties.
Kallidis contended that the initial ruling misjudged the nature of the charge, which should have been manslaughter with direct intent. He also proposed reclassification for three of the accused: one should face charges for moral instigation of manslaughter with direct intent, while the other two should be charged as co-perpetrators. However, the appeal does not affect two of the accused, ensuring that their positions cannot worsen.
Court of Appeal Reopens Alkis Kampanos Case (Illustration)
The case has generated considerable public interest not only because it involves the death of Kampanos but also for including related charges of assault against two of his friends during the same violent incident in February 2002.
A notable development in this retrial is the absence of prominent lawyer Alexis Kougias, who was initially part of the prosecution. Kougias cited a lack of connection with those he represented, opting instead to leave the role to other colleagues. In a statement, he expressed hope that the new legal team would help achieve a fair decision honoring Kampanos' memory.
Aristeidis Kampanos, Alkis’ father, expressed the emotional toll of the prolonged legal process, describing it as an unending struggle. He emphasized the importance of justice not just for their family but for society at large, highlighting the detrimental impact on both his own and the defendants' families.
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