REPORTS
Allegation of Police Violence Against Two Citizens on Charilaou Trikoupi Street (19 August 2025)
On 25 August 2025, a detailed complaint was published describing an incident in which two individuals alleged that they were treated violently by police officers during a late‑night stop on Charilaou Trikoupi Street. According to their account, they were driving through the Exarchia area shortly after midnight when riot police units signaled them to stop. After complying and providing identification, they asked why they had been stopped. They report that the officers responded in an aggressive and intimidating manner.
The complainants state that the situation escalated when one officer began striking them repeatedly in the face and body. They allege that the assault continued even after one of them fell to the ground. They further report that the officer verbally abused and threatened them throughout the incident, while other officers either watched or verbally encouraged the behavior. When bystanders gathered and called on the officers to stop, the complainants were handcuffed and taken to the Exarchia police station.
At the station, they were informed that they were being charged with insult, threat, and disobedience, based on the officer’s account of the incident. They also report that their request for a forensic medical examination was initially denied, and that they were transferred to the hospital only two hours later.
According to the complaint, additional charges, including violence against public officials and refusal to undergo fingerprinting, were added the following day. The complainants acknowledge that they declined fingerprinting, stating that they did so because they believed the charges were unfounded.
In a state governed by the rule of law, police actions must adhere to principles such as legality, proportionality, the prohibition of abusive exercise of authority, and the respect and protection of human rights. The duties, powers, and required conduct of police officers are regulated by Presidential Decrees 538/1989, 141/1991 and 254/2004.
Although the police may use force when necessary to enforce the law and protect human rights, this does not render all preventive or repressive force lawful. Arbitrary or excessive force, or actions that exceed legal limits, pose a serious threat to democratic governance.
In this case, the allegations raise concerns about whether ELAS complied with the legal framework intended to prevent excessive and arbitrary violence against civilians – an issue that must be investigated by the competent state authorities and the judiciary.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate