French man sentenced to 20 years for murder in Crete

The Mixed Jury Court of Heraklion sentenced a 34-year-old French national to 20 years in prison for the December 2024 murder of 36-year-old Rania Bourneli. The court rejected the defense's request to transfer the defendant to a psychiatric facility and ruled that his appeal would not have suspensive effect, leading to his immediate imprisonment. The incident occurred in the Hersonissos municipality, where the defendant followed the victim, waited for her to exit her vehicle, and then struck her with his car, an act caught on video. During the proceedings, the court acknowledged reduced criminal liability for the defendant. The victim's family lawyer argued that the state and medical systems bear significant responsibility, claiming the defendant represents only 20% of the fault, while the remaining 80% lies with doctors who failed to properly evaluate his mental state. The case file has been forwarded to the Rethymno Prosecutor's Office to investigate potential professional negligence by the doctors who examined the defendant prior to the murder. The defendant testified that he did not intend to kill the woman, claiming he believed he was being watched, though he later stated he could not remember the events clearly.