The Athens Mixed Jury Court of Appeal issued a historic and hopeful decision, unanimously finding actor Petros Filippidis guilty of two attempted rapes , which occurred in 2010 and 2014. This is an important moment for the Greek #MeToo and another rare court decision in cases of sexual violence in the entertainment industry.
The court rejected the defendant’s claims of “retreat”, fully recognizing the testimonies of his two female colleagues, who bravely stood up against fear and social stigma.
The first attempted rape took place in Philippidis’ dressing room at the “Mousouris” theater in 2010 , when an actress visited the then-famous director for a business meeting. The woman described a violent and terrifying attack, with screams and pleas for him to stop, which left her in no doubt about the danger she was in.
The second attempt , in 2014, took place in Filippidis’ car at a dead end in Paleo Psychiko , during another “business” meeting. And in this case, the victim did not remain silent – he found the strength to speak out, despite the burden of public exposure and questioning.
Present in the courtroom to hear the verdict were both the two women who were acquitted, as well as the third complainant, for whom the defendant had been acquitted in the first instance. Their presence was not merely symbolic – it was an act of resistance and solidarity.
It is worth noting that, although the trial prosecutor had proposed the acquittal of the accused due to “substantial doubts”, the court boldly stood against the culture of impunity and sent a clear message: Women who speak up are heard. Abusers are held accountable.
In a country where convictions for sexual violence – especially when it comes to powerful men with a public presence – remain extremely limited, this decision is not just judicial. It is social. It is political. It is a victory for every woman who was afraid to speak out, who was not believed, who had her back turned.
In this new map shaped by social awareness around violence against women, the The vindication of the victims of Petros Filippidis does not only concern them. It concerns all of us.
