Alexis Kougias, the well-known Greek lawyer and defense attorney, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. His health had rapidly deteriorated over the last few weeks, leading to his hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital where he succumbed to his illness.
Born on January 23, 1951, in Petroupoli, Greece, Kougias studied law first at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and then at the University of Athens, where he graduated. His legal career began in 1974, but he first captured media attention just two years later when he defended the notorious criminal Evaggelos Rochamis, famously becoming his lawyer at only 25 years old. He successfully managed to acquit Rochamis, cementing his burgeoning reputation within the legal community.
Throughout his career, Kougias became one of Greece's most famous defense attorneys, representing numerous high-profile clients and cases ranging from sensational murder trials to organized crime. His career spanned over five decades during which he participated in more than 25,000 trials, including approximately 1,000 homicide cases.
Some of his most notable cases included the trial of the "Satanic cult of Pallini," which shocked the nation; the tragic accident at the Vale of Tempe, where 21 students lost their lives; and his representation of Epameinondas Korkoneas, the police officer who fatally shot 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos, igniting widespread protests and public outrage.
Kougias also took on the prominent cases of public figures, including representing actor Dimitris Lignadis, who faced accusations of sexual assault. His defense strategies often drew significant criticism from the public and media, reflecting his contentious relationship with societal norms and his willingness to embrace controversial positions.
On the personal front, Kougias faced tragedy with the sudden loss of his first wife, Tilda, just months after their marriage due to a tragic car accident. He later married model and television presenter Evi Vatidou on January 24, 2001, and they had two children together. Their marriage became notorious for public disputes, which often played out on television.
Aside from his legal career, Kougias was also actively involved in sports. He played amateur football during his youth before shifting his focus to administrative roles within multiple football clubs, including short terms as president of AEK Athens FC.
Diagnosed with cancer since 2021, Kougias kept his health struggles private, even from his close family, choosing to continue with his legal practice until shortly before his passing. His diagnosis initially stemming from injuries sustained during a car accident led to his medical team discovering the cancer had affected his lymph nodes at an early stage.
Despite his health deteriorations, he insisted on maintaining his daily presence at the courtrooms, stating his commitment to his clients and the importance of their cases above all else. This dedication was evident as he continued to represent high-profile cases, even after publicly acknowledging the challenges he faced due to health issues.
On February 24, 2025, his children, Christos and Maïra Kougias, made public statements affirming their father's condition was dire and requested privacy during their family’s challenging time. They expressed their desire for respect for their family's privacy, emphasizing the need to close this painful chapter with dignity.
Alexis Kougias's passing marks the end of a significant chapter not only for him personally but for Greece's legal world, where his controversial yet impactful presence will be remembered. His contributions, debates, and the legal battles he waged brought complexity to the concepts of justice, ethics, and morality within the Greek judicial system.
The legacy of Alexis Kougias, encapsulated by both triumph and controversy, serves as a reflection of the turbulent societal dynamics of the time and the multifaceted nature of justice. His story is not just one of legal accolades but intertwined with the wider narrative of Greek society as it grappled with issues of law, public opinion, and the human experiences underlying each case he championed.