Alexis Kougias in his announcement states that he intends to resign from the defense of 35-year-old Roula Pispirigou.

His move came after the last requests of the accused were rejected concerning the examination of other witnesses.

With the announcement of the court’s decision Alexis Kougias requested an adjournment of the trial for a week in order to consult with the Athens Bar Association to withdraw from the defense.

“After the unanimous rejection of all my requests I have decided to withdraw from the defense. This is a landmark trial and I have never seen such an insult to the rights of the accused. The way they were dismissed while time was spent even on coffee drinks…you are depriving the accused of her rights. I want the court to be exposed. The accused cannot remain without a lawyer. I want to inform the president of the DSA why I have never left a trial and that the accused has time to find a lawyer before you appoint her. If he doesn’t find it, we’ll see what happens, but I want the president of the DSA to be informed” noted Alexis Kougias.

“Today the advocate asked how many meetings have we had? We have had 70 meetings in 7.5 months. 60 witness doctors and nursing staff have been examined. We examined controls on 2 and 3 days. The testimonials are overwhelming. When Mr. Advocate comes and says that it is a summary procedure, he falls into contradictions” said the district attorney and added: “if you cannot continue, you must file it and then the court will decide”.

A little later came his official resignation

“As submitted, the request to stop the trial is rejected unanimously as there is no reason for force majeure” said the president of the court saying that there will be a break and in the meantime she asked Mr. Kouya to make a decision.

Kougias: I am leaving and so is my partner.
President: Where are you going, Mr. Advocate? A respect to the court!
Kougias: I respect, I respect.
President: Have you resigned?
Kougias: On Thursday I will say.
President: We have adjourned for Wednesday, will you say Thursday?
Kougias: Fine, I resign and reserve!

“All lawyers are resigning in protest. We reserve on Thursday to announce our decision whether to come backsaid Alexis Kougias.

“I accept the resignation, I long for a defense attorney to be appointed,” said Rula Pispirigou he just took the stage.
The court adjourned to appoint a new lawyer.