In high tones, with denials, responses from lawyers and testimonies, the interrogation of the former speaker of parliament Zoe Constantinopoulou in court in the case of tragedy in Mati.

The witness, called to testify, since she was one of the first to file a lawsuit a few days after the fire, during the interrogation provoked a strong reaction from the defenders, some of whom left the room, while others stated that after the interrogation was completed, Z. Konstantinopoulos they would demand, so that the court would not take into account her testimony.

The reactions of the defenders were countered by the residents of Mati, who watched the rally, who shouted to the defense that they wanted to hear the testimony of Mrs. Konstantinopoulou.

According to Z. Konstantopoulou, in the case of the tragedy, “even today the prehistory is seething, and the motives are serious and concern former and current high-ranking officials.” Citing a “cover-up” of duties, she complained that the defendant’s partner in the case, former regional governor of Attica Renas Duru, approached the victims of the deadly fire as a representative of the region on the sidelines of the trial.

“Bad theater on corpses”

Z. Konstantinopoulou specifically mentioned the then Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, speaking of “poorly played theater on corpses.” As the witness said:

“From noon on that day, the Kinet fire was considered a serious problem. When there is a danger of fire in Attica, no one leaves the fire. The prime minister, in the midst of a fire in Kinet, is going to receive an award along with Zaev. When a fire breaks out in Parnit, everyone must be “armed with a spear.” Mr Tsipras is reportedly looking at a map of Attica on his mobile phone around 8pm. Has been updated. He stays in Bosnia and then returns to scorched earth, and his first statement is: “I hastily cut short my journey.” When such a badly played theater is played out on the corpses of people, you are obliged to investigate this matter to the marrow of your bones … No resignation, no one had the decency to say: “I am responsible.” This is shocking. There was no one to say “I’m leaving”, since he could not return the lost people.”

At another stage of her interrogation, responding to the sharp reaction of the defense lawyers, Z. Constantinopoulou stated that they were trying to prevent her from referring to the aspect of the case concerning the cover-up operation:

“Even after the tragedy, those who were supposed to take the rescue and take responsibility were busy protecting themselves and each other, sacrificing everything to carry out this plan.

To this day, the backstory in this case is seething, and the motives are serious and concern former and current high-ranking officials. Stefanos Kolokouris became the head and responsible for the fires in Evia (s.s.: retired in January 2022), Christos Lambris, who is also accused, is today the head of the fire department. The few who come here to be accused are rising up the ranks, and you think people don’t realize that they’re still raging behind the scenes? said the witness.

The interrogation of the witness will continue on February 8.