Trial verdicts spark outrage

Years after the catastrophic event, the emotional scars remain raw, as evidenced by the recent court rulings concerning those held accountable. The Three-member Misdemeanor Court of Athens delivered its verdicts on six defendants, who faced charges ranging from negligence to direct involvement in the fires. The sentences pronounced varied dramatically, from 3 years to 111 years in prison, with all sentences ultimately redeemable at a rate of 10 euros per day, leading to the immediate release of the accused.

This decision ignited fierce reactions from the victims’ families present in the courtroom, culminating in shouts of “today you are burning us for the second time” as the accused quickly left the premises, shielded by police intervention.

Details of the sentencing

The individuals sentenced included high-ranking officials from the Fire Department and a local resident:

  • Sotiris Terzoudis, Chief of Operations of the Fire Department, received 111 years.
  • Vassilis Matthaiopoulos, Deputy Chief of Operations, was sentenced to 15 years.
  • Ioannis Fostieris, Commander of the Unified Operations Coordination Center, and Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Commander of the Athens Fire Service, each received 111 years.
  • Charalambos Hioni, Fire Service Commander of Eastern Attica, also received 111 years.
  • Konstantinos Angelopoulos, a resident implicated in starting the fire, received a 3-year sentence.

The court criticised the lack of coordination among firefighting forces, the chaotic response, and the failure to adequately inform and evacuate the public.

Acquittals and controversies

Several other officials, including the then regional governor of Attica, the mayors of Marathon and Penteli, and other local deputies, were found not guilty, further stirring public discontent and feelings of injustice among the bereaved families.

Emotional reactions and arrests

The courtroom atmosphere was tense and sorrowful, with many attendees visibly distraught. The announcement of mitigating factors and the conclusion of the session led to chaotic scenes where grief-stricken relatives confronted the defendants and court officials, resulting in at least one arrest.

This trial outcome has not only reopened wounds but also highlighted ongoing concerns about accountability and justice in Greece, especially regarding public safety and emergency responses. The public’s reaction underscores a profound distrust in the system’s capacity to protect its citizens and deliver justice for those lost to preventable tragedies.

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