Two local men on the large island of Crete were taken into custody early Tuesday morning on charges of assault and attempted assault against a group of German tourists four days ago, a “road rage” incident that generated intense media coverage and led to a police manhunt for the pair.
Both men, in their 30s, face charges in connection with the incident, while an examining magistrate issued a warrant for the arrest of one of the two men on charges of attempting to deliberately inflict serious bodily harm.
One of the two, who already faced an outstanding arrest warrant, was remanded in custody, while the other was charged but conditionally released.
The pair denied the allegations, claiming the German tourists were the ones who began aggressive driving, initiated a car chase and the ensuing scuffle.
Concerns over “bad press”, especially by international media, ostensibly pressed law enforcement on Crete to quickly locate and arrest the suspects, both natives of the Mylopotamos municipality.
In a sign of how prominent the case is, Citizens’ Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos himself announced the arrests on social media, where he added that the rule of law must be upheld and the notions of Greek hospitality and personal honor preserved.
In an even rarer and even more high-profile intervention, Supreme Court chief prosecutor Isidoros Dogiakos on Tuesday instructed the relevant examining magistrate based in the Cretan city of Rethymno to exhaustively investigate the incident and allegations of violence against the German tourists, calling for the case to be given top priority.
Dogiakos also ordered a fast-track trial process if charges, possibly felonies, are filed after the prosecutorial investigation.
According to sources, Dogiakos cited a risk that the incident may harm the country’s tourism image abroad.
Among others, the German tourists, who were traveling in a leased vehicle, charged that one of the two local men pulled out a hunting knife during the altercation. The vehicle also showed signs of body damages, with the tourists saying the suspects deliberately rammed them with their pickup truck.
Latest News
Deadline for Postal Vote Registration Expires on Mon.
More than 157,000 Greek citizens had registered on the relevant online platform so far
Orthodox Palm Sunday Today; Shops Open in Greater Athens-Piraeus Area
Orthodox Holy Week begins on Monday, April 29, and ends on Sunday, Easter Sunday or Great and Holy Pascha (May 5)
Greek Retailers Remain Optimistic About Easter Shoppers’ Turnout
While stores are expected to be open on Sunday, April 28, the majority of Easter shoppers will likely do their shopping during the Holy Week, following the deposit of Easter bonuses
Europeche: Greek Apricot Production Recovers
Europeche forecasts the production will bounce back despite a slight decrease in varieties attributed to high winter temperatures
Bank of Greece (BoG): Business-Household Deposits Up 1,675bln in March 2024
In March 2024, the monthly net flow of credit to the general government was negative by 469 million euros
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway
NielsenIQ: 3% Supermarket Revenue Increase in Q1
Private label products are gaining traction, comprising 25.4% of shopping basket shares, up from 24.7%