Thessaloniki priest convicted of domestic threats before child
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A priest in Thessaloniki was sentenced to 18 months in prison for repeated domestic threats against his wife in front of their child.
- The court found him guilty without mitigating factors, and the sentence was suspended pending appeal.
- The priest denied the accusations, claiming he was the victim and that his wife acted out of revenge over financial matters.
A priest in Thessaloniki has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for repeatedly threatening his wife in the presence of one of their three minor children. The court found the priest guilty of continuous domestic threats, with no mitigating factors recognized. His sentence was converted to a daily fine of ten euros, suspended until the appellate court rules.
The court also imposed a restraining order, prohibiting the priest from approaching his wife within 50 meters. The 46-year-old woman testified that she had been a victim of abusive behavior for years, including insults, threats, and physical violence. She stated that the priest threatened her on two consecutive days, saying "you are finished" while making a gesture with a key at his neck, in front of their child, causing her terror.
The priest denied all allegations during his defense, claiming he was the actual victim. He asserted that his wife filed the complaint as revenge because he had cut off her debit card and stopped giving her money. He argued that the entire issue was financial, as his wife managed the money, ordered food instead of cooking, and bought expensive clothes, leading him into debt.
He offered a different version of the threats, stating he told her "you are finished for me," implying a divorce. He denied making any threatening gestures or using any form of violence. The prosecutor recommended a conviction, emphasizing that the court proceedings confirmed the alleged acts occurred, even in the presence of the minor children. The relevant Metropolis was informed after the criminal charges were filed.
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Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.