Greek tourist acquitted in Istanbul, awaits travel ban lift

10:36 27/12/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Agathi Markopoulou, the Greek tourist detained in Istanbul since late November, has been cleared of all charges by a Turkish court.

However, despite her acquittal, a travel ban remains in place, preventing her from returning home to Crete.

Ms.

Markopoulou, 50, was arrested after accidentally taking a shop owner's mobile phone, mistaking it for her own, while attempting to purchase headscarves to enter the Hagia Sophia. Although the shop owner withdrew the theft complaint after reviewing security footage that proved the incident was an accident, Ms. Markopoulou remained in detention for over a week.

The court's decision to acquit her brings relief, but her ordeal is not yet over. Her lawyer is working to lift the travel ban, and her family hopes she and her husband will soon be able to return to Greece.

Ms. Markopoulou described her detention as a harrowing experience, marked by confusion, a language barrier, and a lack of information.

"All I ask is to pay bail, leave, and return for trial if needed," she stated during her detention, expressing frustration and disbelief at the situation.

While the court's decision brings a positive resolution to the legal proceedings, the remaining travel ban highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating international legal systems. Ms.Markopoulou and her family eagerly await her return to Greece, hoping to put this ordeal behind them.

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