Summoned as a witness in a Greek criminal case: rights, duties and preparation

Read the summons and establish your procedural role

Keep the complete summons and service information. Identify the issuing authority, case reference, place, date and time for attendance. Do not assume that every police or judicial communication concerns the same procedure: being examined as a witness differs from being asked for explanations as a suspect.

Under Article 209 of the Greek Criminal Procedure Code, someone lawfully summoned as a witness must testify unless a statutory exception applies. If you do not understand the document or have a serious difficulty attending, obtain timely advice and contact the relevant authority. Deciding that you know little about the case is not a sufficient reason to ignore a summons.

Organise the facts without constructing a statement

Before the examination, separate what you saw or heard yourself, what others told you and what is your own inference. For preparation, note dates, places and the sequence of events alongside documents you already lawfully hold. Do not fill gaps in memory with assumptions or agree a common script with other witnesses.

The Code distinguishes facts from personal assessments and addresses the source of a witness’s information. Say clearly when you do not remember something or did not perceive it directly. Preparing a timeline does not mean you may read from notes during the examination; follow the directions and lawful formalities of the examining authority.

• Complete summons and service record
• A personal timeline for preparation
• Documents or messages lawfully in your possession
• Uncertainties and the actual source of each piece of information

Confidentiality, family relationships and self-incrimination

Professional confidentiality, a family relationship with the accused or another statutory exception may require attention. The rules do not apply identically to every person or case. Explain the relevant circumstances to your lawyer in advance so that the applicable position can be checked before the examination.

Article 223(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code provides that a witness need not testify to facts that could establish their own guilt for a criminal offence. This is not general permission to give false testimony or decide unilaterally not to attend. If the questioning may concern your own conduct, your role and the appropriate safeguards need clear, timely assessment.

Interpretation, attendance difficulties and timely legal advice

If you do not understand Greek sufficiently, raise the need for interpretation in advance. Also identify any communication-support need or genuine inability to attend, keeping supporting records. Merely submitting a request does not mean that a different date or method of examination has been approved.

For advice in Heraklion or elsewhere in Crete, first provide the complete summons through a secure channel and explain your concern. A lawyer clarifies the procedure and your rights without replacing your personal testimony. Ask for clarification of questions you do not understand and check that a written examination record reflects what you said before signing it.