Mati ruling sparks ire and disbelief among relatives of victims

10:35 30/4/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A Greek court has acquitted most of the officials implicated in the worst forest fire in the country’s recent history, sparking fierce reaction from relatives of the victims.

A total of 104 people were killed in the blaze that ripped through the seaside resort of Mati, outside the Greek capital,

in 2018, leaving also more than 4000 homes razed and 17,000 acres of forestland consumed by flames in Mati, some 18 kilometres east of Athens.

As many as 15,000 locals and holidaymakers scrambled to the sea for refuge at the time, remaining in water for hours, trying to escape Europe's deadliest forest fire since the Second World War. 

Charges against officials, from local mayors to fire fighters, ranged from negligence and dereliction of duty to involuntary manslaughter -- all misdemeanours, each carrying more than 10 year suspended sentences.

A three-member court of misdemeanours hearing the case found six of the 21 defendants guilty, unanimously acquitting the remaining 15 of all charges. Sentences ranging from three to 111 years were ordered for those convicted, but only five were ordered to be executed, according to the landmark ruling.

The court ruled that the sentences could be bought at 10 euros per day, ranging to about 4000 euros for each conviction. All have been released pending appeals set to be launched and heard  at an undisclosed date.

The decision sparked sweeping outrage in the courtroom, with many relatives bursting into tears, others shouting and stomping out. Video captured in the court chamber showed some relatives hurling chairs at the defendants. 

 “Your court is an insult to the dead, the living, and the truth,” relatives shouted after the court announced the decision on the guilt of six individuals and the acquittal of 15 of the defendants. 

“Shall we make a collection… Shame!” one of the relatives was heard shouting.

“If a public figure had been burned, it would have been a felony. But we are just for a misdemeanour. We only have graves,” a girl shouted. 

“Today you burn them again,” roared an other relative.“Shame on you,” they shouted.

Some moved towards the bench and the defendants, throwing even chairs. The defendants were evacuated through the entrance used by the judges.

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