Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias referred to the case of hunger striker Panos Routsis during a session in the Hellenic Parliament.

“We have children — I cannot fathom how a father’s right to investigate what he deems necessary regarding the death of his child could be denied,” Mr. Dendias said, adding: “On this, we are all in agreement. I can’t imagine anyone taking a different position. The last thing this man needs, in the midst of his tragedy, is for his circumstances to be made even worse.”

The Minister returned to the issue following comments by SYRIZA President Socrates Famellos, who was quick to attribute responsibility for the government’s failure to meet Mr. Routsis’ demands.

“I do not wish to comment further on the matter of the grieving father. I do not understand why blame is being directed at the government, when this is clearly a matter for the judiciary. Of course, we would bear responsibility if this were a government action — but it is not. This falls under the jurisdiction of the justice system. I have expressed my view and I stand with the grieving father.”