A court in Rhodes has sentenced a 69-year-old gynecologist to 73 years and 9 months in prison after finding him guilty of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault against female patients during medical examinations.
The Mixed Jury Court of Rhodes delivered its verdict following an extensive trial, convicting the doctor of all nine rape cases brought against him, along with multiple instances of indecent assault. He was acquitted in only one case. The court rejected the defence’s request for mitigating circumstances, leading to the imposition of a severe sentence, which mandates that the convicted doctor serve 20 years behind bars.
Additionally, upon the prosecutor’s recommendation, the court imposed an ancillary penalty barring the doctor from practicing medicine for two years.
A Case Marked by Shocking Allegations
The case reached trial following a decision by the Rhodes Plenary Council (14/2022) in March 2022. The charges stem from provisions under both the old and new Greek Criminal Code. The doctor faced accusations of:
- Serial rape without consent
- Consensual sexual abuse under coercion
- Insult to sexual dignity
The case file includes allegations from a total of 21 female patients, whose complaints were consolidated for prosecution. The alleged assaults took place over several years, spanning from 2014 to 2020. The incidents reportedly occurred during gynecological examinations at Rhodes Hospital, where the accused had been practicing.
Timeline of the Alleged Offenses
The assaults reportedly took place on multiple occasions, including but not limited to:
- October 10, 2019
- February 23, 2020
- Late April 2020
- May 13 and 16, 2020
- June 1 and 3, 2020
- July 1, 2020
- Late August 2020
- Additional incidents dating back to 2014, as documented in the case file
A Landmark Ruling
This ruling marks a significant legal precedent in Greece, highlighting the justice system’s commitment to prosecuting sexual violence, particularly in medical settings where patients are in vulnerable positions. The case has drawn widespread attention, with advocacy groups and legal experts emphasizing the importance of safeguarding patients’ rights and ensuring accountability within the medical profession.
The convicted gynecologist will begin serving his sentence immediately, as the court denied any suspensory effect on his punishment. Greek authorities have reiterated their commitment to addressing sexual crimes and protecting victims of abuse.
This high-profile case has sparked discussions about the oversight of medical professionals in Greece, with calls for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent future instances of abuse within the healthcare system.
