A modest memorial marking the mass grave has become the focus of a fresh legal complaint filed with Greece’s Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office as the eighth anniversary of the deadly July 23, 2018 blaze approaches

A modest memorial, set in a prominent, central spot within Nea Makri cemetery, has become the focal point of a new legal action tied to the deadly fire of July 23, 2018, which destroyed the seaside settlements of Mati, Neo Voutza and Kokkino Limanaki in eastern Attica, as the eighth anniversary of that tragedy approaches.

Above it, a simple inscription captures the ongoing anguish of those left behind. Eight years on, with tomorrow marking the “black” anniversary, they are still seeking answers: “And with the light of each new day, we ask… What, How, and Why, July 23, 2018.”

The Association of Relatives of the Deceased and Burn Victims of July 23, 2018 in Eastern Attica has filed an official complaint and a request for a criminal investigation with Greece’s Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office (Areios Pagos).

The Association, which submitted the complaint alongside a complete dossier of official documents and supporting evidence, is calling for an in-depth examination of unresolved issues surrounding the management, documentation, identification and burial of the fire’s victims, questions that remain unanswered to this day.

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Full investigation demanded into mass grave site at Nea Makri cemetery

In its report, the Association’s Board of Directors brings specific facts to the attention of the courts and requests that they be investigated immediately. First, a full investigation is demanded into the mass grave site at Nea Makri cemetery, where, according to the allegations, unidentified human remains, possible remains of already identified victims, and animal remains or other objects have been buried.

At the same time, scrutiny is being focused on the handling of the remains of a woman found in the water after the fire, which were transported to the Schisto morgue and buried only after a significant period of time had elapsed, in order to determine whether all prescribed identification procedures were followed.

Attention is also being drawn to the need to review these procedures in light of the erroneous handover of human remains that came to light during the criminal proceedings. Finally, the Association is requesting that any digital or other evidence that may contribute to the full clarification of the case be examined and evaluated.

“A minimum tribute to the deceased”

As the Association’s statement characteristically notes: “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 evaluated. For us, a full investigation is the least we can do to honour the deceased. For the state, it is the minimum obligation toward the victims, their families and the administration of justice itself.”

With this petition, the Association is requesting that a preliminary investigation be conducted to identify any criminal or other liabilities, along with all necessary investigative and expert examination measures by the competent prosecutorial authorities.