The case surrounding the deadly Mati wildfire has taken a new turn, as the Association of Relatives of the Deceased and Burn Survivors of July 23, 2018 has filed an appeal with the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, requesting a full investigation into what it describes as new and critical evidence.

In a submission accompanied by official documents, the victims’ families seek answers regarding an alleged mass grave at the Nea Makri cemetery. They are also calling for a thorough examination of the procedures followed in recording, identifying and handling the victims’ remains after the 2018 tragedy.

According to the Association’s Board of Directors, fully clarifying the circumstances is the minimum obligation the State owes to the victims and their families.

The Association’s statement

The Association of Relatives of the Deceased and Burn Survivors of the July 23, 2018 wildfire in Eastern Attica has appealed to the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, requesting a comprehensive investigation into new evidence concerning the alleged mass grave at Nea Makri cemetery and the handling of victims of the disaster.

Athens, July 20, 2026

The Association announced that it has submitted a formal request for a criminal investigation to the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, seeking a full examination of key issues which, according to the evidence accompanying its filing, have not yet been clarified.

The submission, officially registered and supported by a dossier of official documents and other evidence, asks the judiciary to investigate matters relating to the management, recording, identification and burial of those who died in the July 23, 2018 wildfire in Eastern Attica.

Among the issues the Association asks authorities to investigate are:

• Information concerning an alleged mass burial site at Nea Makri cemetery where, according to the submission, unidentified human remains, possible remains of already identified victims, animal remains and other objects have been buried.
• The handling of the body of a woman found at sea after the wildfire, transferred to the Schisto morgue and buried after a significant delay, to determine whether all legally required identification procedures were followed.
• The procedures for identifying and returning victims’ remains, in light of incidents involving the mistaken return of human remains that emerged during criminal proceedings.
• The existence and evaluation of digital evidence and any other material that could contribute to fully establishing the facts.

The filing also requests a preliminary investigation, an examination of any criminal or other responsibilities that may arise, and any investigative or forensic actions deemed necessary by the competent prosecutorial authorities.

The Association said it stands ready to provide all evidence in its possession to help ensure a complete investigation.

“Clarifying the truth is the least we owe the victims”

The Association accompanied its announcement with a message stating that “fully establishing the truth is the least tribute we can offer to the dead.”

The statement reads:

“Through the report we have submitted, we ask for a full investigation into factual incidents and evidence which, in our view, require further examination. The families of all the victims have the right to know that their loved ones were treated with the respect required by law and that every critical piece of evidence was properly assessed. Fully establishing the truth is the least tribute we can offer to the dead. For the State, it is the minimum obligation owed to the victims, their families, and to the proper administration of justice.”