Greek musician Aris Mougkopetros was arrested in central Athens on Sunday morning after traffic police caught him speeding and tests revealed he was driving significantly over the legal alcohol limit.
The clarinetist was charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol after appearing before a public prosecutor on Sunday. He was released from custody and scheduled to stand trial on Monday afternoon before a fast-track court.
Traffic police officers spotted Mougkopetros driving at high speed along Makrygianni Street at approximately 8:00 a.m. Officers signaled for the vehicle to stop and had to follow the car before the musician brought it to a halt, according to police information.
Upon stopping the vehicle, officers observed that Mougkopetros was not in a fit condition to drive and conducted a breathalyzer test. The initial measurement registered an alcohol concentration of 0.71 mg/l, while a second test recorded 0.63 mg/l.
In Greece, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.25 mg/l. Police arrested Mougkopetros under fast-track procedure guidelines and held him at the local police station before transferring him to the courthouse for prosecution.
Authorities also imposed administrative sanctions on the musician for the traffic violation. Mougkopetros received a fine of 1,375 euros, and his driver's license was suspended for 250 days.
Breathalyzer Results and Admission
Following his arrest, Mougkopetros acknowledged the infraction, stating that it was a mistake on his part and explaining that he had consumed two extra drinks before driving.
Mougkopetros is a prominent performer on the Greek clarinet, widely known for his appearances at traditional open-air festivals across the country. These regional celebrations, known as panigyria, feature live traditional folk music and dancing that often extend into the early morning hours.
Festival Performance in Lamia
Prior to his arrest in Athens, Mougkopetros had performed at a traditional festival in Roditsa, near the central Greek city of Lamia. A person present at the event stated that the musician took the stage at around 3:00 a.m. and played a solo clarinet set for about 30 minutes.
During his time on stage, Mougkopetros spoke to the attendees about a previous ordeal involving the amputation of his fingers. He left the festival grounds at approximately 4:30 a.m. to travel back to Athens, where he was intercepted by police several hours later.
Fast-Track Court Trial
After being formally charged at the prosecutor's office on Sunday, Mougkopetros was released. He is scheduled to return for trial on Monday after 12:00 p.m. before the Autoforo fast-track court, which handles misdemeanor cases involving suspects apprehended in the act.
