In a decision that is characterized unprecedented for Greek datathe Three-member Court of Criminal Appeals of Nafplion convicted passenger of fatal traffic accident accident in a 15-year non-parole sentencejudging him direct accomplice in the offense of dangerous driving resulting in death.
The case concerns the car accident of October 11, 2024 in Argoliswhich cost the life of 37-year-old Konstantinamother of two children, causing a deep shock in her local community Nea Kiou.
The sentences of the court
The court imposed a sentence imprisonment of 18 years to the driver of the vehicle and 15 years old in the passenger seatwithout recognition of mitigating factors and without suspensive effect on appeal, despite the latter’s clean criminal record.
According to defense lawyers, the decision is qualified particularly strictas the passenger “could not prevent the course of the car, which was moving at breakneck speed”. Nevertheless, he was found jointly responsible, as the court considered that he contributed directly and knowingly in the dangerous behavior of the driver.
The decision is considered station for Greek justiceas well it’s the first time which imposes such a heavy penalty on a passenger in a fatal traffic accident.
Constantine’s family: “Exemplary punishment”
The family of the 37-year-old woman, who died instantly in the collision, expressed her satisfaction for the rigor of the court. “It’s about exemplary punishment which gives a clear message that indifference and recklessness on the road do not go unpunished”, said her relatives.
Who was 37-year-old Konstantina from Nea Kios?
OR Constantine37, was mother of two children7 and 9 years old respectively. She was well-known and especially loved in Nea Kios active member in the Associations of Parents and Guardians of the area and had been chairman in the Primary School Association.
Her loss caused a wave of grief in the local community. The video from security cameras that recorded her fatal collisionwhere the moment of the accident can be seen, shocked the whole of Greece and provoked anger to her own people.
Announcement of parents’ associations
In their joint statement, the Associations of Parents and Guardians of the Primary School, the Kindergarten, as well as the Nursery and Kindergarten of Nea Kios, where Konstantina was an active member, expressed the their deep sorrow and the need to perform responsibilities for wrongful loss her.
“Konstantina was a model mother and citizen, always present in the communities of the region. Her loss is an open wound for all of us,” the statement says.
A symbolic decision
The case has sparked intense debate in legal circles as it highlights a new legal and ethical framework of responsibility for traffic accidents. The strict attitude of the court sends clear warning messagein a country where the deadly conflicts remain at high levels.
As legal analysts point out, this decision may be adjudicatedpaving the way for more strict treatment of all those who actively participate or consent to dangerous driving behaviours.