An 82-year-old man has died following an alleged violent altercation over a sun lounger at a popular Greek holiday beach. Police were called to the scene at Vouliagmeni, Greece, on Sunday morning, September 20.
Altercation turns fatal
The pensioner had just arrived at the busy spot when a row broke out with another beachgoer, identified as a 76-year-old man 'unknown to him'. The situation escalated when others allegedly joined in, with Greek state broadcaster ERT reporting that "it seems that people who were with [the assailant] also participated".
The elderly gentleman is understood to have suffered cardiac arrest during the incident and was given CPR on site. He was transported to the nearby Asklepieion Hospital in Voula in a critical state, but tragically passed away at approximately 11am local time. A post-mortem examination has been requested to determine his actual cause of death.
Arrests and investigation
The 82-year-old had been visiting the seaside with his wife. Police arrested a 76-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman at the scene on Sunday. The elderly man remains in remand at the Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Police Station, while the woman, 21, has since been released following police questioning, as per To Vima.
The manager of the beach bar where the sun loungers were situated was also summoned by police to provide a statement. Authorities confirmed "all those" implicated in the incident would be brought before a Magistrate. A police source commented, according to reports: "The incident is under investigation." They added: "In Greece, disagreement is expressed vocally, with a lot of screaming and shouting, not in fistfights like this – especially between two elderly men. I think that's why it is so shocking."
Context of rising tensions
Greece is experiencing a serious cost of living crisis which has seen tensions rise amongst residents, leading to a spike in domestic violence cases and other displays of hostility. In recent years, frustration has grown amongst locals as tourism and rental businesses monopolise prime seaside spots to levy extortionate charges for sun loungers.
