The Court of Appeal council of Patras in Greece has rejected Australia's request to extradite James Dalamangas, one of the country's most wanted men. Dalamangas was arrested from a Greek olive farm in June after 25 years on the run.
Extradition request denied
Judges deliberated for more than eight hours before ruling that the extradition request did not meet legal requirements. A loophole in Greek law bans the extradition of any accused criminal more than 25 years after the alleged offence.
Australian authorities allege Dalamangas stabbed 32-year-old George Giannopoulos in the stomach and neck during a brawl at a Belmore nightclub in 1999. Giannopoulos, a father of two, died hours later, and Dalamangas fled to Greece.
Legal avenues being explored
Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland pledged on Monday to ensure Dalamangas can still “face the full force of the law,” as NSW police “explore every available legal avenue.” The Giannopoulos family has insisted on pursuing justice.
With the Greek courts refusing extradition, Canberra is expected to pursue diplomatic options, asking the Greek government to intervene or overrule the court's decision.
“There is still the glimmer of hope that we may bring this bloke back to face justice, but it is only a glimmer,” said McNab. Criminal lawyer Paul McGirr was more pessimistic: “It’s seen as a spent matter. I certainly don’t believe he’ll be stepping out of Greece anytime soon and certainly not back to Australia.”
