Greek Police are investigating evidence pointing to a premeditated attack in connection with the femicide in Nea Smyrni, according to statements made Monday morning (24/08) on ERTnews by Christos Syndrevеlis, vice president of the Greek Police Officers’ Union (POASY). He stated that the suspected perpetrator appears to have waited outside the apartment building where the woman lived, shot her, and then turned the weapon on himself.
The preliminary investigation is in full swing, with authorities working to establish a motive and determine whether there were personal, romantic, or other differences between the two individuals. Syndrevеlis emphasized that findings so far suggest the attack had been planned in advance. “Everything indicates, based on the evidence we have to date, that there was premeditation. That is what the suspect’s movements suggest,” he said. According to him, the man traveled to the area and remained outside the entrance of the apartment building for a period of time, waiting for the woman.
Femicide in Nea Smyrni: What Christos Syndrevеlis said
“It appears that he had set up an ambush — essentially a trap — at the entrance of the building where the woman lived,” he noted. The POASY vice president clarified that this is the picture emerging at this stage, as the police investigation has not yet been completed. Biological material and other evidence have been collected from the crime scene and are currently being examined by the Criminal Investigation Division.
What is being investigated
Meanwhile, officers are taking statements from relatives, friends, and people close to both the victim and the suspect, in order to establish what was known about their relationship and whether any prior threats or violent incidents had occurred. The investigation also includes an examination of the phones, communications, and digital data of both individuals. “The electronic and digital traces will provide answers to police, so we can determine whether this involved personal, possibly romantic, or other types of differences,” Syndrevеlis stated.
The weapon used is under investigation
Authorities are also examining whether the weapon used was legally owned and, if not, how the suspect came to possess it. The preliminary inquiry is expected to take into account information about his background, any previous incidents potentially linked to violent behavior, as well as photographs featuring weapons that he is reported to have posted on social media. “The fact that he possessed a weapon will be investigated — whether it was legal or illegal and, if illegal, where it came from,” the POASY vice president noted.
He added that it is still too early to draw firm conclusions, expressing confidence that the investigation will soon provide answers regarding the exact circumstances of the crime. Syndrevеlis stressed that an immediate police response after a crime is not enough to tackle the broader phenomenon of femicide.
“There must be preventive measures”
“It is not enough to address the issue reactively, after the harm has already been done. There must be preventive measures and state structures working together to prevent this kind of criminal act,” he said.
He noted that prevention requires cooperation between police, social services, psychological support structures, and the victim’s family and social circle. “If, in this particular case, someone from the family or wider circle had knowledge and could have spoken up, we might have been able to prevent this tragic incident,” he remarked.
“The first priority for anyone who feels threatened should be to notify the police”
The POASY vice president called on women who receive threats or have experienced violence to immediately report them to police authorities. He noted that specialized Domestic Violence Response Offices operate across the country, staffed by officers trained to handle such cases. “The first priority for anyone who feels threatened should be to notify the police authorities,” he underlined.
He also appealed to relatives, friends, and neighbors not to remain passive when they know or suspect that a woman is in danger. “The victim may be afraid to go to the police or may not trust them. But there is the family, the social circle, and the wider community. If they know or suspect something, it is important that they notify the police authorities,” he pointed out.
The reference to the Panic Button
Syndrevеlis also referred to the Panic Button app, which he described as a useful tool for the immediate protection of people at risk. He clarified that the app, like other protective measures and safe housing options, is offered to victims but cannot be imposed by police.
“Many victims accept either one measure or the other, or both in combination. Officers can intervene effectively, prevent incidents, and help the victim feel safe and move forward with their life,” he said.
