‘Metoo’ trial verdict in Greece sees actor-director acquitted of rape charge; 2 convictions for attempted rape

An Athens first instance court on Wednesday acquitted a well-known actor-director-producer on a single felony rape charge, while handing down two guilty verdicts on lesser counts of attempted rape.

The rulings were unanimously decided.

The explosive 10-month trial involves performer Petros Filippidis, and reached the courtrooms after a Greek version of the mostly US-based “metoo” movement erupted in early 2020. The latter was fueled by an Olympic sailing gold medalist’s allegation that she was sexually abused by a Greek sailing federation official back in 1998.

A bench prosecutor in the case has recommended to a mixed justice-jurors panel that they not recognize any mitigating circumstances for the defendant.

The process now is in the sentencing phase.

Filippidis has already served several months of jail time in pre-trial remand.

Recognizing mitigating circumstances, as the defense is pressing for, would essentially translate into a misdemeanor conviction.