A 29-year-old complainant testified Thursday in the appeal trial of Greek theater director Dimitris Lignadis, alleging that Lignadis sexually assaulted him when he was 17.
Lignadis is appealing a previous conviction in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse.
The witness told the Mixed Jury Court of Appeal in Athens that he met Lignadis through social media and later moved into his home because of serious family problems, including his parents’ alcohol addiction. He alleged that he was subjected to repeated non-consensual sexual acts during that period.
Describing an incident included in the indictment, the witness said it occurred at Lignadis’ apartment while other young people were present. He said he did not know whether they were aware of what had happened, as music was playing and alcohol was being consumed.
The witness said he remained in Lignadis’ home because he had nowhere else to go, leaving in October 2016 after his mother said conditions at the family home had improved. He said he did not report the allegations at the time because he was a minor and later feared contact with authorities due to his lack of legal documents and past experiences involving police at his family home.
