Ilion: Police officer arrested for assaulting a 12-year-old

A police officer from the OPKE unit was arrested following a complaint by a 12-year-old and his mother, alleging that he used physical violence against the minor during a police check on the anniversary of the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos.

The incident is reported to have occurred outside an elementary school in the area, where the minor was with about 20 other individuals when OPKE officers approached them, and one of the officers allegedly attacked the 12-year-old.

According to the Hellenic Police, after the complaint was filed by the minor, accompanied by his mother, at the Ilion Crime Investigation Department, a case file was immediately opened and the relevant prosecutor was notified. At the same time, the minor was asked to identify the officer who allegedly struck him from a lineup of 15 police officers.

According to the police, the 12-year-old pointed to one officer, who was then arrested, although he had not been on duty at the time of the incident. The announcement also states that the allegations of assault are not confirmed by the testimonies of individuals who were present during the check. An internal administrative investigation has been ordered into the incident.

The full statement from the Hellenic Police:

“Regarding publications circulating in the media concerning a police check that took place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 6, 2025, in the area of Ilion involving a 12-year-old minor and officers of the OPKE unit, the following are announced:

At approximately 19:30, the minor, accompanied by his mother, appeared at the Ilion Crime Investigation Department and reported an incident of police misconduct, during which, according to the complainant, an OPKE officer allegedly assaulted him during a police check.

The service responded immediately, opening a case file and informing the competent Prosecutor, while also issuing an order for a forensic medical examination of the minor.

As part of the in-flagrante procedure, fifteen (15) OPKE officers were presented to the minor for identification. The minor identified one of them, who, however, had been assigned to the night shift (22:00–06:00) and not to the shift during which the check reportedly occurred. The officer was arrested, and a case file was opened against him for bodily harm against a vulnerable person. Further preliminary investigation, including testimonies from local residents and the minor’s peers who were present, did not confirm the reported use of violence.

It is noted that the Attica General Police Directorate has ordered an Administrative Inquiry to thoroughly investigate every aspect of the incident and ensure full clarification of the case.

The Hellenic Police reaffirms its absolute commitment to:

• protecting human rights,

• respecting the personality and dignity of all citizens, especially minors,

• and impartially assigning responsibility wherever it is found.”