Prosecution’s Statement in the Mati Fire Trial – Call for Gathering Outside the Court

Today, the prosecutor of the Three-Member Appeals Court for Felonies will deliver her responses regarding what happened on the evening of July 23, 2018, in Eastern Attica. The fire began in Dao Penteli and led to devastation in Mati, claiming 93 lives and causing nine people to drown as they sought refuge in the sea. The prosecutor is set to present her statement during the trial, which, although not binding, is awaited with great interest by the 21 defendants, the victims of Greece’s deadliest fire, and society at large. The case examines whether all possible actions were taken in terms of prevention, operational response, and crisis management. Following an appeal from the prosecution against the primary court’s ruling, which acquitted 15 out of 21 accused individuals, the Appeals Court prosecutor will now assess all evidence and testimonies collected over months of hearings. Seven years after the tragedy that forever changed their lives, survivors have called on citizens to stand with them during this crucial moment in the final phase of the trial. The prosecutor will evaluate legal arguments concerning omissions and actions of the accused, including former firefighting and public protection officials, local mayors, and the then regional governor.