Main defendant in child pimping case found guilty

Disregarding the prosecutor's recommendation for acquittal, an Athens mixed jury court on Friday issued a guilty verdict against the defendant Ilias Michos, aged 55, for the rape of a 12-year-old girl, in the trial over her sexual abuse and exploitation in the Kolonos district of Athens.

The court found him guilty of all serious offenses under the indictment (child abuse, pornography of a minor, pimping and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition), while he was found not guilty only of the charge of human trafficking.

He is now facing a life sentence.

The girl's mother was found guilty of misdemeanor-level blackmail, but acquitted of the pimping conviction.

The court also found 16 defendants guilty of the offense of having sex with a minor for payment, which carries a 15-year jail sentence and a fine.