Four officers charged in death of Kostas Manioudakis in Chania released under bail

Four police officers in Chania, Greece, have been released under restrictive conditions after facing charges related to the death of Kostas Manioudakis during a police check in September 2023. The decision followed approximately six hours of testimony before the Chania investigator.

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the report clarified the circumstances surrounding the death.

The officers are accused of manslaughter with potential intent, acting jointly and in a calm state of mind. The charges stem from a police stop on a rural road in Apokoronas, Chania. Initially, it was reported that the 58-year-old Manioudakis had suffered a cardiac arrest. However, his relatives consistently claimed he was beaten by the officers, leading to his death.

A crucial turning point in the case was the forensic report. Manolis Papadomanolakis, a defense attorney for the prosecution, stated that the report clarified the circumstances surrounding Manioudakis's death. He noted that the number and location of head injuries were inconsistent with a fall from a standing height. These injuries, concentrated on the part of the head covered by a hat, could not be explained by a self-inflicted fall, as the officers initially suggested.

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The number and location of head injuries were inconsistent with a fall from a standing height. These injuries, concentrated on the part of the head covered by a hat, could not be explained by a fall from a standing height.

"It is now clear and indisputable that the injuries were not caused because Kostas Manioudakis felt unwell and fell down, as the police officers claimed," the lawyer emphasized. The court imposed restrictions including a ban on leaving the country. Two officers were required to pay a bail of 20,000 euros each, while the other two posted bail of 5,000 euros each.

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It is now clear and indisputable that the injuries were not caused because Kostas Manioudakis felt unwell and fell down, as the police officers claimed.