The Headquarters of ELAS issued a statement regarding publications on the internet where on the occasion the murder of the 46-year-old transgender woman in Agios Panteleimonas they accuse the Police of misgendering and ignoring the relevant legislation and lack of information about the correct terminologies related to LGBTI+ identities.

As emphasized in the announcement, ELAS has undertaken actions and programs for the training of its staff, with the aim of increasing their awareness of issues related to sexual identity and gender expression.

At the same time, it is pointed out, among other things, that special importance is given to the police personnel respecting the self-determination and personal feelings of individuals.

The announcement of the ELAS Headquarters in detail:

“Regarding publications that are reproduced on the internet on the occasion of a homicide case in Agios Panteleimon and speak of misgendering of ELAS, ignorance of the relevant legislation and lack of information regarding the correct terminologies regarding LGBTI+ identities, the Headquarters of the Hellenic Police announces the following:

The Greek Police, respecting the dignity and rights of all individuals, including individuals from the LGBTI+ community, has undertaken actions and programs for the training of its personnel, with the aim of enhancing their awareness of issues related to sexual identity and gender expression.

In this context, special importance is given to the police personnel to respect the self-determination and personal feelings of individuals as well as to use correct language avoiding gender abuse or referring to people in an incorrect way.

In this case, the first information about the incident from the General Police Directorate of Attica never referred to a “man” as incorrectly described in the publications but to a “person”. In particular, the update issued at 21:52 on Monday, July 10, 2023, was the following:

“TODAY IN THE AFTERNOON HOURS, A DEADLY WOUNDED PERSON WAS LOCATED INSIDE A HOUSE IN THE AREA OF AGIOS PANTELEIMONAS. PRELIMINARY INQUIRY D.A.A.”

It goes without saying that individual cases of violation of correct language or identification of individuals by the Greek Police are treated with the required seriousness.

In any case, the Greek Police continues to work with the aim of improving and upgrading its procedures, in order to ensure beyond any doubt that all citizens are treated with respect, justice and dignity.”