ATHENS – Dimitris Lignadis appeared before the Mixed Jury Court after 09:00 on Friday to stand trial for serious criminal acts of sexual violence.

Three women and a man were elected as jurors in the trial, while the three regular judges are women.

The artist’s lawyer, Alexis Kougias, excluded three women while two others were excluded by the prosecutor.

The court also elected two alternate members, as the trial is expected to last a long time.

The court was then adjourned until February 25 after Kougias requested an interruption due to conflicting obligations in other important trials that are at risk of becoming statute-barred, or where the 18-month limit for incarceration without trial is about to expire. As he stated, this will not pose a problem for the specific case, as his client can be held in custody for another six months.

“We are asking for an interruption in March. The accused wants to be tried, but is forced to adapt to my other obligations. We fervently want the trial to take place, that is why we are not asking for a postponement but an interruption,” noted Kougias.

The court decided to accept Kougias’ request despite strong objections from lawyers representing Lignadis’ four alleged victims and people gathered to support them.