Community in Serres Struggles to Process Fatal Teen Beating
The city of Serres continues to grapple with shock after the deadly beating of a 17 year old on Epiphany Day, an incident for which a 16 year old boy has been arrested. Local residents remain unsettled as both families involved face profound emotional strain.
Assertions from the accused teen’s brother emphasise that the 16 year old is not a murderer, insisting he is remorseful and reportedly crying while in custody. Statements from the family challenge reports suggesting a history of severe delinquency, maintaining the boy never exhibited such behaviour.
Further comments from the brother express condolences to the victim’s family, while also underlining that the situation has devastated their own. According to his account, the teen never intended to cause such harm and was overwhelmed by the consequences.
Clarifications became more firm when he refused to comment on speculation about the motive, repeating his belief that the fatal incident stemmed from a single mistaken moment rather than malicious intent.
Defence Lawyer Rejects Claims of Criminal Background
The defence lawyer, Leonidas Vasilakos, rejects suggestions of a rich criminal past, stating the teen had not behaved in a manner portrayed by certain media reports. According to his description, the accused comes from a troubled home, having lost his father eight months prior and coping with a mother who struggled with substance use.
Details from the lawyer specify that the only previous case on record involved minor cannabis possession two years earlier, resulting in supervised probation for one year under the care of a juvenile officer in Serres. The teen reportedly adhered to the terms of this supervision without further incidents.
Information from Vasilakos highlights that child protection services had previously intervened, though custody remained with the mother despite financial hardship and challenges within the household. Observations from the juvenile officer occurred two or three times weekly during the supervision period.
Questions arose as the lawyer stressed that no forensic report appears in the case file, despite unverified claims circulating publicly. His position suggests the need for caution until all official documents become available.
Explanations offered by Vasilakos argue that the teen did not act with premeditation or lethal intent, presenting the conflict as a brief escalation during an attempt to resolve a disagreement over a trivial matter. He notes that both boys left the scene afterward, walking in separate directions.
Juvenile Supervision Procedures Detailed by Legal Expert
Commentary from former prosecutor and attorney Lefteris Michailidis outlines how juvenile corrective measures function in Greece. His remarks highlight that such measures are imposed not by social workers but by prosecutors and judges.
Clarifications from Michailidis note that supervision, guardianship, and other forms of oversight fall within a list of 12 corrective measures available to judicial authorities, each chosen according to the severity and context of the case.
Insights from his experience explain that in smaller regional jurisdictions, prosecutors handle both adult and juvenile matters due to limited infrastructure. His description of the process indicates that when dealing with minor offences, prosecutors evaluate circumstances, assess the child’s personality, and may impose corrective measures instead of initiating criminal proceedings.
Examples provided include assigning a guardian or requiring participation in community or social programmes. His overview underscores the existing framework aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment for minors.
