Mourning and anger at both funerals

The funerals of the two young officers, whose murder by ruthless criminals has caused nationwide shock,. took place on Thursday In a climate of mourning and anger.

The funeral of 22-year-old Skylogiannis took place in St. Athanasios' church in Trikala, while 23-year-old J. Evangelinelis’ funeral took place in St. Vasileios' church in Peristeri.

The funerals of the two young police officers were attended by hundreds of their colleagues, as well as ordinary citizens.

Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Police and the Mayor of Peristeri attended the funeral in St. Vasileios’ church, while the funeral in Trikala was attended by Chief of Police, Lefteris Economou.

By order of the Minister of Civil Protection, Christos Papoutsis, the flags at both the ministry and all ministry departments, as well as at the Police and the Greek Coast Guard, will fly at half-mast.

A minute’s silence was observed by Police personnel in memory of the two young men, after an order by the Chief of Police.

The other two injured officers have been hospitalized at the Geniko Kratiko Hospital in Nikea and Attiko Hospital, and are out of danger.

Both the deceased had barely had enough time (two years) in active service in the police force. Both of them, though, were among the best-trained and effective police officers in DI.AS. having made many arrests and exhibiting a great hunger for work. “They always jumped at the opportunity to work…”, stated a colleague of theirs from Menidi, who had worked with them. He added: “They were considered to be good members of the team”. According to sources, both of them had received an award by the Ministry of Civil Protection after the arrests they made a few months ago.

John Evangelinelis was eight months senior in the Force. He enlisted as a Special Guard in 2008, not only for financial reasons, but also following his dream of becoming a police officer. He had also served in the Army Paratroopers. “He was born in Athens but comes from Mytilene. He grew up and lived in Peristeri”, stated a policeman when asked about the 23-yearold victim. “A child from a poor family, he was the breadwinner for his three sisters and his ill mother, who used to work as a cleaner after her husband’s death”.

The life of 22-year-old Giorgos Skylogiannis was similar. He enlisted in DI.AS. on the July 1st, 2009. He was the eldest of five children and he left his village in Kefalovriso, Trikala, to become a police officer in Athens. His family was hard pressed for money and he had to contribute in some way. His father, Christos, works at the Trikala train depot while his mother is a municipal worker.

In the Thessaly city, the news came as a huge shock. Noone could believe that Giorgos had been struck down by three thugs’ bullets.

At the same time, gigantic mobilization by the Police for the arrest of the criminals is in full swing. Information points  to the fact that it is a gang of ruthless thugs who must have been involved in car thefts and bank robberies, as well as shop and kiosk stick-ups. Heading the group is a violent individual wanted for several murders, while a connection to the December 8 murder of a kiosk owner is still under investigation. “After the ballistic tests came back clean, we are awaiting fingerprint identification from the stolen Volvo in order to proceed with the investigation”, stated an officer in charge.