The case of the double tragedy in Aigion continues to spark intense public debate. As the investigation progresses, more questions are emerging about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 54-year-old Maria and her 26-year-old son, Olympios.
In the wake of new laboratory and forensic findings — and reports that authorities are examining all possible scenarios — a term widely used in international criminological literature has resurfaced in public discussion: altruistic filicide.
But what does it actually mean, and when can it be applied? Dr. Maria Chr. Alvanou, a criminologist and Senior Fellow at ITSTIME, spoke exclusively to parapolitika.gr to clarify that this is a strictly criminological term describing the possible motive behind an act — not an independent legal classification.
How the term “altruistic filicide” came about
“In 1969, Resnick scientifically named and described altruistic filicide — among other typologies of filicide — as a case where a parent takes the life of their child based on the subjective belief that they are acting in the child’s best interest,” Dr. Alvanou explains.
As she points out, this category does not involve cases where the perpetrator acts out of hatred or revenge, but rather cases where, through a deeply distorted perception of reality, they believe they are protecting their child.
The two forms of altruistic filicide
According to the criminologist, this typology includes two main subcategories.
The first is what is known as “mercy killing,” in which the parent believes they are relieving the child from real or perceived unbearable suffering — such as in cases of terminal illness or severe disability.
The second involves cases where the filicide precedes the parent’s own suicide. In these instances, the parent believes the child cannot or should not continue living without their presence and protection.
Dr. Alvanou further clarifies that the perpetrator is not necessarily the biological parent — it can be any person who has functionally assumed direct care of the child.
Why most research focuses on mothers
International literature has extensively examined cases involving mothers, primarily due to the possible connection between certain crimes and postpartum depression, and also because in most societies, the mother is the primary caregiver. “Nevertheless, the perpetrator can absolutely be a father,” the criminologist emphasizes.
As she explains, scientific interest centers largely on the mental disorders that can impair parental judgment, leading the perpetrator to develop a profoundly distorted perception of both the victim and the criminal act itself.
This is not a criminal law term
Dr. Alvanou stresses that the term “altruistic filicide” is used exclusively within the framework of criminological analysis and does not constitute a standalone criminal charge.
“In every case, the term describes the criminological characteristics of the motive behind the act — it is not a specific legal term, nor does it constitute a separate criminal offense,” she states.
As she explains, Greek criminal law provides for the offense of infanticide under Article 303 of the Penal Code — which applies exclusively to cases where the mother’s physical condition has been disturbed by childbirth — as well as assisted suicide under Article 300 of the Penal Code, which requires entirely different conditions and bears no relation to the parent-child relationship.
Why great caution is required
The criminologist emphasizes that investigating such cases is exceptionally complex and cannot be based on isolated pieces of evidence or public speculation.
“The judicial investigation of such cases is complex. It necessarily involves examining and properly assessing the mental health and state of mind of the perpetrator, as well as the circumstances under which the act was committed — because the question of criminal culpability is ultimately one for the court to determine,” she notes.
She concludes that every such case must be examined individually, on the basis of the actual case file, forensic findings, psychiatric expert assessments, and the totality of the evidence — without prematurely attaching labels before the judicial investigation has been completed.
