Rena Dourou Acquitted: Justice’s Response to Political Smear Campaigns

The recent acquittal of former Regional Governor Rena Dourou in the trial concerning the tragic fire in Mati marks a significant moment in Greece’s judicial landscape. Speaking through her lawyer, Theodoros Schinas, Dourou expressed that these decisions represent “Justice’s response to those who have pursued or continue to pursue openly or covertly with falsehoods the tarnishing, defamation, and political and personal vilification” against her. The Three-Member Court of Appeals for Financial Crimes has now closed the chapter on criminal liability for the tragedy that shocked the nation in July 2018. Judges concluded that ten individuals found guilty contributed through their actions or omissions to the catastrophic outcome, which left countless citizens unaided and severely injured. Among the eleven defendants acquitted unanimously by the judges was Rena Dourou, alongside former mayors of Marathon, Rafina-Pikermi, and Penteli. The statement from Dourou’s legal team emphasized the respect for the memory of the victims while highlighting how this decision aligns with previous rulings absolving her of charges related to other disasters, such as the flood in Mandra, Attica. Former mayor Evangelos Bournois also echoed similar sentiments via his lawyer, Thrasivoulos Kontaxis, underscoring the importance of an independent judiciary free from political interference. Both cases underline the need for systemic improvements in national protection mechanisms to prevent future tragedies.