Zak Kostopoulos

Known for ActingBorn 1985-08-22 — died 2018-09-21

Zacharias "Zak" Kostopoulos (Greek: Ζαχαρίας «Ζακ» Κωστόπουλος; 22 August 1985 – 21 September 2018) was a Greek-American activist, defending the rights of LGBT people, HIV-positive people, sex workers and refugees. He was also a drag performer under the name Zackie Oh. He was killed at the center of Athens. The trial ended on 3 May 2022, with two men having been found guilty.

Zak Kostopoulos was killed on September 21, 2018, from a fatal injury in an incident that took place in the area of Omonia Square in Athens. In particular, Kostopoulos was found trapped inside a jewelry store on Gladstonos Street under unspecified circumstances. He was beaten by the shop owner and a bystander broker, mistaking him for a robber. Following the beating, the bloodied Kostopoulos was arrested by at least 8 police officers who rushed to the scene of the violent incident. Kostopoulos expired while being transported by ambulance to the hospital.

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After his death, protest marches and gatherings were held in various cities of Greece, while associations, parties and other organizations issued statements, mainly condemning the phenomenon of self-righteousness, which occupied the Greek public opinion for a number of months. Annual marches and commemorative events are held on September 21 in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities.