One of the infuriating things about the UK media is their foot-dragging when it comes to identifying Muslim terrorists. When Sir David Amess was murdered, it was not until the next day that the fucker was named, whereas when the MP, Jo Cox, was murdered, we knew within minutes that the perpetrator was a white right-wing fanatic. Equally maddening is the eagerness of the Greek media to identify the ethnicity of various criminals. In Salonika’s last femicide, the perpetrator and victim, we were informed, were αρμενικής καταγωγής (of Armenian descent). Similarly, although several hooligans are involved in the murder of Alkis Kambanos, we learnt immediately that the alleged 23-year-old killer and ringleader was αλβανικής καταγωγής (of Albanian descent). This seems to be standard practice, and I feel it serves no purpose other than to stir up xenophobia. “Albanian descent”, for example, can mean anyone who speaks Greek as a second language. However, since there has been a steady inflow of Albanians since the early 90s, αλβανικής καταγωγής is just as likely to mean anyone under 30 who was born here, who is a native speaker of Greek, and who has Greek nationality. Also, it must be said, if he was a successful basketball player or weightlifter, you can be sure that αλβανικής καταγωγής would rarely be mentioned.
Alkis Kambanos was a 19-year-old Aris supporter. A group of youths (allegedly PAOK supporters) leapt from two cars and attacked him and his mates. Alkis was stabbed in the leg and bled to death. More later when I learn more about it, but stabbing in the back of the leg (in the area of football violence) seems almost ritualistic. The outrage in Thessaloniki is not abating, but my prediction is that the killers will get off with manslaughter.
Georgia Bika is a name we should not know. She is the alleged rape-victim of the incident that took place in a hotel at New Year. However, she has eschewed anonymity and has been interviewed extensively since making the allegations. Contrary to her allegations, the toxicological results have come back from Switzerland: lots of alcohol in her system but no “rape drugs” such as rohypnol. There are now disputes of the time samples were taken and the time they were tested. It will be interesting to see how this case develops. My guess? The alleged rapists will not be convicted. However, the police are investigating two strands, 1) the alleged rape itself and 2) the existence of a prostitution grooming ring.
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks