The latest instance of a high-profile case of domestic violence gripping public attention in Greece has been played out throughout the week, after a well-known defense attorney was accused of punching and injuring his wife, also an attorney – an assault that was revealed after an attending physician in a private clinic called police.
The defense attorney, 52-year-old Apostolos Lytras, surrendered himself at a police precinct on Wednesday near his northeast Athens home after an arrest warrant was issued in his name. The warrant came after Lytras allegedly violated a restraining order not to contact his wife, Sofia Polyzogopoulou, 37. The latter was reportedly threatened by an associate and relatives of her husband, including his ex-wife, at their Gerakas district residence in order to turn over cash and some of Lytras’ clothes.
No amount was reported as to the amount of allegedly kept at the residence.
Earlier, the Lytras had reportedly texted his now estranged wife via Viber, including her in a group with the people that ultimately showed up at her residence to demand the cash and clothes.
Polyzogopoulou activated a “panic button” application installed on her cellphone, bringing police to the residence a very short time later. She also filed a separate lawsuit against her husband and his associate, after being escorted to the nearest police precinct.
In his statements to police, Lytras denied sending any such message to his wife.
Lytras ex-wife was also later charged with making threats and disturbing the peace of a residence. After a brief night-court appearance she was given a new court date of June 27 to face the specific misdemeanor charges.
The conditions set over the past weekend by an investigating magistrate and a prosecutor, allowing the defense attorney to remain free pending trial, drew an intervention two days later by the president and chief prosecutor of Greece’s supreme court.
The intervention is expected to initiate an internal judicial review on whether the conditions for the man’s release were too lenient and if Lytras’ status as a prominent defense attorney influenced their judgement.
The supreme court prosecutor also issued a second order, calling for accelerated procedures in order for case to be investigated and eventually be heard in a court room.
Now in remand, Lytras is due to appear before another prosecutor at the main Athens court house on Thursday, with his temporary incarceration expected to continue.
A public perception of leniency in Greece’s criminal code and laxity on the part of authorities to deal with cases of domestic violence has dominated headlines over recent months.
