Six of the eight prison officers stationed in Nigrita who were summoned for questioning on Tuesday have been detained, while two have been set free. The officers summoned appear to be involved in the brutal torture that resulted in the death of 42-year-old convicted felon Ilie Kareli.
Amongst the detained officers is the local prison officer union leader who had stated in the media that “nothing happened” in the Nigrita prison facility. During their questioning at the courts, family members of the eight officers held a protest over the judicial investigation.
In their depositions the officers attempted to justify their actions, claiming that they were “justifiably enraged” by the death of their colleague Giorgos Tsironis at the prison facility in Malandrino and were vague about the brutal torture and assault on Kareli. The officers also did not name the two suspects who appear to be responsible for Kareli’s fatal injuries.
According to a supplementary medical examination requested by judicial authorities, the 42-year-old Ilie Kareli’s death may have been related to a pre-existing heart condition. A further seven prison officers are expected to testify today.
