Renowned Greek actor Petros Filippidis has been unanimously found guilty of two attempted rapes by the Athens Court of Appeal. The decision marks a significant development in Greece’s #MeToo movement, which has shaken the local arts scene over the past three years.
The Charges and the Verdict
The court found Filippidis guilty of:
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An attempted rape of an actress in 2010, which allegedly took place in his dressing room at the Mousouri Theater in central Athens.
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A second attempted rape in 2014, involving another actress, which reportedly occurred inside his car in a street in Palaio Psychiko.
The court rejected all requests for mitigating circumstances and sentenced Filippidis to 3 years in prison, suspended for 3 years, meaning he will not serve jail time unless he violates the terms of the suspension.
Emotional Reactions in Court
As the unanimous decision was announced, the two women who had filed the complaints broke down in tears in the courtroom. Also present were actresses Anna-Maria Papaharalambous and Lena Drosaki, both of whom have publicly supported victims of abuse in the Greek theatre scene, along with the president of the Greek Actors’ Union, Spyros Bibilas.
The Defense and Legal Strategy
Filippidis’ lawyer, Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, referred to the verdict as a “judicial error”, claiming that his client is the victim of a misinterpretation of events. He confirmed they will appeal to the Supreme Court of Greece (Areios Pagos) in an attempt to overturn the conviction or reduce the sentence.
It’s worth noting that Filippidis has already served 11 months in pre-trial detention during the early stages of the case. He is currently free for health reasons.
The Prosecutor’s Surprising Stance
Interestingly, during earlier sessions, the public prosecutor had recommended acquittal, citing contradictions in the testimonies and arguing that the descriptions did not fit the profile of a rapist, but rather “a man given to self-pleasuring,” a phrase that sparked wide criticism.
The court, however, sided with the victims and upheld the charges as felony-level attempted rape with coercion or threat.
A Landmark Case in Greek #MeToo
Filippidis’ conviction adds to a growing list of high-profile cases in Greece’s cultural and entertainment sectors, in a country where speaking out against sexual abuse has long been met with fear or silence. His fall from grace reflects broader societal shifts, as more women find the courage to report abuse, and the legal system begins to respond decisively.
What’s Next?
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The legal team will pursue an appeal at the Supreme Court, possibly in late 2025 or early 2026.
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Should the sentence be upheld, any violation of the suspension terms could send Filippidis to prison.
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The case continues to be a focal point in the Greek conversation on justice, power, and accountability in public life.
