4.2.13
The Prosecution First Instance Court of Athens has ordered an investigation in allegations of torture and police brutality by the arrested suspects of the “terrorist” double armed robbery in Kozani. The head prosecutor Panagiota Fakou ordered the preliminary investigation in order to determine the allegations by relatives of the suspects. The prosecution will examine press reports and pictures from the arrest and transfer of prisoners to the courts.
Government changing claim that injuries sustained «while resisting arrest»
In response to the outrage regarding the publication of photos with apparent signs of abuse, the government appears to be going back on its initial claim that the injuries inflicted came as a result of resisting arrest. Both the government representative and the Minister of Public Order announced that there will be an investigation and that Greece is a “lawful state”.
Government representative Simos Kedikoglou was interviewed on Skai TV on Monday morning and promised that the allegations will be investigated, adding that “in a lawful, European state, torture is always condemned”. Mr. Kedikoglou referred to the four suspects as “common law criminals” and asked that their actions “not be given a political slant”.
The Minister of Public Order Nikos Dendias spoke on Mega Channel and explained that the police was involved in a “brutal clash against heavily armed terrorists with a hostage”. Mr. Dendias denied allegations of a cover-up, claiming that “we will be ruthless, should it be proven by justice that they were abused”. The Minister admitted that the publicized photographs were “shocking”. When asked about the obvious editing, Mr. Dendias claimed it was necessary so that the public will recognize the suspects.
Serious allegations of police brutality
The family of the 24-year-old arrested in Kozani has formally asked his transfer to a hospital for immediate medical monitoring, condemning his abuse in police custody. According to the allegations, the 24-year-old was repeatedly beaten in the holding cells in Kozani, while he handcuffed and blindfolded. The 24-year-old also claims to suffer from haematuria and head aches.
The 24-year-old’s mother, who is an ambulance services doctor, stated that the other three suspects have suffered similar abuse. She reported that the injuries were not sustained during their arrest, bur rather in police custody. A doctor who is a member of the Federation of Hospital Doctor Unions (OENGE) claimed that the pictures suggest head injuries requiring medical attention.
