July 22, 2026, marks the fourteenth anniversary of the violent assault on Myrtos Papadomichelaki, which occurred while she was vacationing with her family on the island of Paros in 2012. The perpetrator, Ahmed Vakas, raped and severely beat Myrtos, leaving her with permanent disabilities that have necessitated an arduous and ongoing rehabilitation process over the last decade and a half.

Maria Kotrotsou, the victim's mother, released a poignant statement via social media to mark the date, criticizing the superficial sympathy often shown by society. She highlighted the immense daily struggle for recovery and the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Greece. Her testimony underscores the profound emotional and physical toll the incident continues to inflict on the family.

This anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the 2012 tragedy that shocked the nation. The family remains committed to the long-term care of Myrtos, despite the ongoing frustrations regarding societal support. The mother's public words underscore that while time has passed, the trauma remains deeply embedded in their daily lives as they continue their difficult journey toward recovery.