Man, 80, dies following altercation with North Corfu Deputy Mayor – New development in the case

The case surrounding the altercation between North Corfu Deputy Mayor Haris Koutsouris and an 80-year-old local resident has taken a new turn after the man died at Corfu General Hospital following several days of hospitalisation. The development has prompted a fresh review of the case by the competent authorities, while the forthcoming forensic examination is considered crucial in determining the exact cause of death.

The incident, which took place last Saturday, 25 July, in Kassiopi, has now taken an extremely serious turn. The 80-year-old man, who was involved in the altercation with Deputy Mayor Haris Koutsouris, died on Friday evening at Corfu General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.

According to reports and witness accounts, tensions between the two men — who had worked closely together for many years — had been building over the previous few days.

One account states that the 80-year-old went to the deputy mayor’s home, where a verbal argument broke out before escalating into a physical altercation. Another version claims the incident began at a local business, where the elderly man confronted the deputy mayor over a construction-related issue in the area. The exact circumstances remain under investigation by the police. Both men filed criminal complaints against each other.

Following the incident, the 80-year-old was transported by ambulance to Corfu General Hospital, where he remained hospitalised until his death despite the efforts of medical staff.

The deputy mayor had been arrested under the summary arrest procedure on charges of assault and causing bodily harm. He appeared before the public prosecutor on Monday, before the 80-year-old’s death. The case was briefly adjourned so that the injured party could also appear before the court. As this did not happen, a regular hearing was scheduled for December.

The deputy mayor was also taken to hospital, citing illness and abrasions which, according to his account, were sustained during the incident. Questions have since been raised over whether he was held in the hospital’s specially designated ward for detainees requiring medical treatment.

Following the elderly man’s death, the case has entered a new phase. Police are re-examining the preliminary investigation file, while the forensic examination is expected to answer the crucial question of whether, and to what extent, the man’s death was causally linked to the injuries he sustained during the altercation.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS