Former fire chief sentenced in Mati fire trial

08:55 1/6/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Vasilis Matthaiopoulos, the former chief of Greece’s fire service, received a two-year suspended prison sentence in connection with a rash of charges linked to one of the worst brush fires in living memory here.

The conviction stems from accusations levelled by Dimitris Liotsios, a forensic expert, who claimed that Mr. Matthaiopoulos pressured and threatened him during the 2018 Mati wildfire investigation.

The blaze in east Attica claimed over 100 lives.

Mr. Matthaiopoulos was not present at the hearing. Still he had previously admitted to charges of coercion, denying however breach of his duties.

He extended an apology to Mr. Liotsios who told a hearing that he coerced to “absolve fire service officials of any blame” linked to the devastating fire. Despite the intimidation, Mr. Liotsios persisted with his inquiry, which he believes led to personal attacks and the theft of his vehicle.

The case is set for a retrial in an appellate court.

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