Corfu, March 9 – Independent Member of Parliament for Corfu, Alexandros-Christos Avlonitis, has submitted a report to the Minister of Justice regarding a highly unusual incident that took place before the Three-Member Misdemeanor Court of Corfu. The report highlights the public disparagement of two lawyers, who were absent from the proceedings, during a trial.
Unprecedented Incident in Corfu Court
The incident, which occurred on March 6, 2026, was brought to the attention of MP Avlonitis by the Corfu Bar Association (DSK). According to the Bar Association’s announcement, during the second-instance hearing of a case concerning a violation of labor law, the presiding judge of the panel allegedly posed persistent questions to the plaintiffs-witnesses not only about the substance of the case but also about their legal representation. These questions reportedly concerned the lawyers who represented them, the fees paid, the issuance of receipts, and the quality of the services provided.
Specific Questions Raised by the Presiding Judge
The Bar Association’s announcement details the nature of the questions asked by the presiding judge, which included: “Who was your lawyer? How much money did you pay your lawyer? Did you get a receipt for the money you paid your lawyer? Did he complete the work you assigned him?” These questions, according to the DSK, went beyond the scope of the trial, which was focused on labor law violations, not the financial arrangements between clients and their legal representatives.
Public Disparagement of Absent Lawyers
During this line of questioning, two specific Corfu lawyers were named. Crucially, both lawyers were absent from the court proceedings, meaning they had no opportunity to respond to the allegations or clarify any points. The Corfu Bar Association has strongly condemned this action, stating that it resulted in the public disparagement of their names and personalities before a large audience. The DSK emphasized that such practices are unacceptable, as the remuneration of lawyers was not the subject of the trial.
Violation of Professional Dignity
MP Avlonitis, in his report, underscored the fundamental obligation of a rule of law state to protect the honor, reputation, and professional dignity of every citizen. The incident, as described by the Bar Association, appears to be a direct violation of these principles, as it subjected legal professionals to public scrutiny and potential defamation without due process.
Corfu Bar Association’s Strong Reaction
The Corfu Bar Association’s announcement, which forms the basis of MP Avlonitis’s report, reflects their serious concerns about the conduct of the court. They view the incident as an attack on the integrity of the legal profession and a breach of ethical judicial practice. The DSK’s swift and decisive reaction highlights the gravity with which the legal community in Corfu perceives this event.
Call for Accountability
By submitting this report to the Minister of Justice, MP Avlonitis is seeking official intervention and a thorough investigation into the matter. The aim is to ensure accountability for the actions taken in court and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has raised questions about judicial conduct and the protection of professional reputations within the legal system.
Wider Implications for Justice System
This event in Corfu could have broader implications for the administration of justice and the relationship between the judiciary and the legal profession in Greece. It underscores the importance of maintaining proper judicial decorum and respecting the professional boundaries that safeguard the rights and reputations of all parties involved in legal proceedings. The outcome of the Minister of Justice’s review will be closely watched by the legal community in Corfu and beyond.
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in courtrooms to ensure fair trials and protect the fundamental rights of individuals, including legal professionals, from undue public scrutiny and disparagement.
