A Greek court has declined a request to extradite James Dalamangas to Australia to face charges for the 1999 fatal stabbing of George Giannopoulos. The decision was based on Greece’s statute of limitations, which had expired for the alleged offense.
The court ruled that Dalamangas cannot be extradited due to the expiration of Greece's statute of limitations on the alleged crime.
Background and Arrest
James Dalamangas was arrested earlier this month on a farm in Aigialeia, central Greece, more than 27 years after the incident. The arrest was conducted by Greek authorities. Australian police had issued a warrant the day after the stabbing. State and federal police suspected Dalamangas moved to Greece shortly after the incident.
Greek media outlet Flamis showed footage of armed officers at the farmhouse and Dalamangas being led out in handcuffs. Media reports indicated he worked as a farmer and used multiple aliases. Greek outlet Tempo24 reported he lived under the name Antonis Tzimas for 18 years in the village of Alsos, purchasing property and living quietly with his partner. His identity was revealed after he provided false information during a police check and later confessed to being wanted in Australia.
Legal Status and Evidence
A Greek court has ruled that Dalamangas cannot be extradited due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. An earlier extradition attempt in 2003 failed, and the Greek investigation was abandoned in 2007.
During the arrest, police seized a crossbow, three knives, 13 mobile phones, a computer, and three USB sticks. His father and partner were detained on suspicion of harboring a criminal.
Victim Family Response
The family of George Giannopoulos has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, requesting continued pursuit of the matter. NSW Police are reportedly exploring other legal options.
Incident Details
George Giannopoulos was fatally stabbed at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore, Sydney, in 1999 while attempting to break up a fight. A warrant was issued for Dalamangas’s arrest the day after the stabbing. Australian police had offered a $200,000 reward for information leading to his capture. A 2024 public appeal was made as the 25-year statute of limitations in Greece approached.