The funeral director at the centre of two controversial segments aired by Channel 9 programme ‘A Current Affair’ has issued a statement claiming vindication for the accusations made in the television programmes.
In reports aired on November 28, 2022, and March 21, 2023 it was suggested that personal belongings in the possession of Peter Tziotzis Orthodox Funeral Services went missing and that the body of a deceased person was mishandled.
The reports, which were later re-published on various Channel 9 platforms including 9Now, The Age as well as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, alleged his involvement in the theft of jewellery and clothing intended for burial alongside a Greek woman.
As a result of the reports, Peter Tziotzis faced police questioning. However, on February 26, 2024, Victoria Police confirmed that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him, effectively clearing his name.
“The police confirmation validates what I have been saying from the beginning, that I am innocent,” Peter Tziotzis told Neos Kosmos.
Despite the outcome, Tziotzis and his business is pursuing defamation proceedings, initiated in September 2023, against Channel 9, the producer of the show, and the reporter responsible for the story.
Peter Tziotzis told Neos Kosmos that he is pursuing legal action as he wants to highlight the serious impact the false accusations can have on individuals and their businesses.
