Newsroom
A military court in Nicosia will announce the sentence next Monday for a sergeant found guilty in the tragic death of 27-year-old commando Panagiotis Gianniou, who drowned during a training exercise in June 2022.
Gianniou lost his life after falling from a National Guard helicopter into the sea during a Helocast drill over the Lara area. The fall followed an order given by the sergeant, who was in charge of the drop. Earlier this month, the military court ruled the sergeant guilty of causing death through a reckless or dangerous act.
During a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the defense argued for leniency, describing the incident as a “momentary mistake” and urging the court to consider a suspended sentence or a fine instead of prison time.
In a written statement submitted to the court, the sergeant expressed his “deep sorrow and sincere condolences” to Gianniou’s family. His lawyer, Andreas Frangos, emphasized the sergeant’s clean criminal record, military accomplishments, and emotional response during the incident.
“He was the first to jump into the sea to try and save Panagiotis,” said Frangos. “He administered first aid and stayed by his side until the very end. This is not the behavior of a man who only thinks of himself.”
The court also heard a joint letter from the sergeant’s former and current commanders, praising his character and asking for leniency. Frangos called his client a model officer, noting his elite training and specialized qualifications, including underwater demolition, freefall parachuting, and NATO-level coursework in Greece, Slovenia, France, and Russia.
Frangos also highlighted the financial and family hardships a prison sentence would cause, arguing that jail time would "collapse" the household.
The court is set to announce its decision on Monday, June 30, at 9:30 a.m.
