Australian fugitive James Dalamangas is set to appear in a Greek court on weapons charges, as authorities work to extradite him over an alleged murder in Sydney nearly three decades ago.
Dalamangas was expected to appear at the courthouse in the Peloponnesian town of Aigio on Wednesday after crossbows, arrows and knives were found at his rural property.
The 55-year-old has been wanted by police since George Giannopoulos was allegedly stabbed in the neck and stomach while trying to break up a fight at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore, in Sydney’s southwest, on Anzac Day in 1999.
Dalamangas was arrested by Greek authorities on Sunday in Aigio. He has been charged with weapons offences and making false statements, while extradition-related procedures linked to the Interpol Red Notice are underway.
His mother has spoken to local media, protesting her son’s innocence and claiming he was the victim who had received death threats. She maintained that her son “hadn’t done anything wrong”.
Dalamangas faces two major legal hurdles: the weapons offences and fighting extradition back to Australia, where he is wanted over the 1999 murder.
Dalamangas has been on the run for almost three decades, living on the west coast of Greece as an olive farmer for almost 30 years. He has always maintained his innocence.
Authorities say a decision on whether one of Australia’s most wanted men will be extradited could take up to 40 days.
