Former high-ranking Greek Federation official charged with rape

2022-11-14 13:19

Former general secretary of the Hellenic Basketball Federation Panagiotis Tsagkronis was brought to court for allegedly attempting to rape an employee in 2014. He denies any claims.

Credit: Hellenic Basketball Federation
Credit Hellenic Basketball Federation

The Patras Prosecutor's Office has issued a lawsuit against the former general secretary of the Hellenic Basketball Federation Panagiotis Tsagkronis alleging rape, sexual harassment, and abuse of power.

The lawsuit comes after an employee of the organization complained about the wrongdoings. She had first verbally reported the incidents to the federation itself but it took no action. It then led to the 44-year-old woman contacting the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Lefteris Avgenakis, who then transported the case to the court.

The first incident occurred during the federation's visit to Crete during the U20 European Championship in 2014, the woman claims.

After dinner, the woman came back to her hotel room when she heard a knock on her door. After coming in, Tsagkrelis "pulled down his pants and underwear showing me his genitals", the woman claims.

"He pinned me to the wall grabbing my chest, desperately trying to kiss me on the mouth, telling me vulgar expressions that he will have sex with me," the official court document reads. "For a moment, I froze and didn't know how to react. He continued to pound me furiously on my chest and thighs trying to remove my underwear."

"Realizing that I wouldn't stop yelling and it was only a matter of time before someone heard us, he menacingly said 'For your own sake, don't say anything to anyone' and left the room," the woman writes in her claim.

It is noted that the second incident happened in 2018.

Panagiotis Tsagkrelis
Panagiotis Tsagkrelis
Credit Hellenic Basketball Federation

When the news came out, Tsagkrelis himself categorically denied any of the claims.

"All I want is for the trial to take place as soon as possible, to prove the evidence, to see who is lying and who is telling the truth," he told during a television program. "Stop this bullshit, now. I am the victim. It broke my family apart and it has ruined me financially. That's why I wish the court [procedures to happen] as soon as possible, let's finish."

The defendant then continued to comment on the accuser's claims directly.

"If you take the case file, you will see that she has made three changes in her statements so you'll understand what's going on," he said.

"She remembered everything from 2014 when we didn't take her to Crete in 2019, should she say all this? That's why I want the trial to take place, that's why I want it because a lot will come out of it. And then I will be able to tell you everything," Tsagkrelis told.

The 2014 FIBA U20 European Championship and the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup were held in Heraklion, Crete.

"I feel that I am one step closer close to my vindication. The legal battle now begins and I'm sure the truth will shine through," the woman told.



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