Greece police trial over Athens shooting opens

Saraliotis (left) and Korkoneas deny the charges

The trial of two policeman on murder charges for shooting a teenager dead in Greece has opened and been adjourned.

Epaminondas Korkoneas and Vassilios Saraliotis are being tried in Amfissa, a small town 200km (125 miles) north-west of Athens. They deny the charges.

They were on patrol in a district of Athens in December 2008 when they were confronted by anarchist youths.

Mr Korkoneas opened fire and 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos was killed, sparking major riots in Athens.

Mr Korkoneas, 38, is accused of voluntary homicide, and Mr Saraliotis, 32, of complicity to voluntary homicide.

The policemen argue they meant to fire in the air to disperse a mob who were throwing stones at their car, but that the bullet took a ricochet.

The trial is being held well outside Athens amid concerns of security threats by anarchist protesters.

It was adjourned immediately after opening on Wednesday, because a key defence lawyer was unable to attend.