A recent article by Greek media outlet Kathimerini about the Mati fire in July 2018 which cost the lives of over 100 people, has caused outrage within some political circles in Greece.
In fact, former Civil Protection Minister, Olga Gerovassili (SYRIZA), has filed a lawsuit against Kathimerini for the revelations.
The findings of the report:
According to audio evidence released by Kathimerini, the leadership of the fire brigade at that time, appeared to be acting in an organised manner not to shed light on the tragic evidence regarding the disaster but instead to cover up the crime and protect the SYRIZA officials involved.
Kathimerini said it had turned up testimony indicating attempts to prevent the Greek Fire Service officer appointed by the First Instance Prosecutor’s office to look into the case, from doing his job.
The newspaper also revealed a conversation in which the former Chief of the Fire Brigade refers to an order he received from the then Minister of Civil Protection Olga Gerovasilis.
The head of the Athens prosecutor’s office, Evangelos Ioannidis, has now ordered a preliminary inquiry into these allegations.
Ex-Minister for Civil Protection sues Kathimerini:
Former Minister for Civil Protection, Olga Gerovassili (SYRIZA), reacted with a lawsuit against Kathimerini on Monday afternoon, after the newspaper refused to revoke or withdraw the post.
In her lawsuit, the former minister speaks of “blatantly defamatory and slanderous reports” which, as she emphasises, “have nothing to do with reality and insult and infringe on her honor and political integrity.”
In response, Kathimerini wrote: “We will not recall or withdraw the post. We consider that we have done our journalistic duty by revealing a conversation of huge public interest.”
