President Asserts Himself In Clemency Case (Press, 31 January 1987)

On 31 January 1987, Greek President Christos Sartzetakis faced intense criticism from the Greek media and the public due to his refusal to grant clemency in a high-profile murder case. This decision came after the Justice Ministry had recommended reducing the life sentence of convicted murderer Christos Roussos, who had been imprisoned for a decade. Roussos, a homosexual, became notable after a film about his case depicted him as a victim, claiming he killed his male lover in self-defence when the man allegedly tried to force him into prostitution. Sartzetakis, a former Supreme Court judge, was elected in 1985 and had previously garnered support from the left for his role in prosecuting military figures involved in the assassination of a left-wing politician in 1963. His election replaced former President Constantine Karamanlis amid political tension, particularly after Prime Minister Dr Andreas Papandreou’s Socialist Pasok Party chose him for the presidency. The Greek Constitution was later amended to restrict presidential powers, making the role largely ceremonial; however, Sartzetakis appeared to want a more influential position, leading to reported friction with members of Papandreou’s government. The controversy escalated this week when Sartzetakis publicly stated his decision not to reduce Roussos’ sentence was based on the lack of remorse exhibited by the convicted murderer. He highlighted that both of his predecessors had rejected similar pleas for clemency, reinforcing his position on the matter. Political analysts viewed Sartzetakis’ stance as an assertion of his authority, rather than merely fulfilling a ceremonial role. In response to the President’s decision, a protest involving approximately 1,000 writers, artists, and anarchists attempted to march to the presidential palace. However, they were blocked by police, leading thirteen participants to initiate a hunger strike to support Roussos, who was reportedly hospitalised after conducting his own hunger strike in protest. Despite the backlash and public outcry, a government spokesman affirmed that there was no tension between the President and the government, insisting that Sartzetakis was acting within his constitutional rights. The situation exemplifies the ongoing struggles between institutional powers in Greece amid a politically charged climate.

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