The Plenary of the Supreme Court rejected last Wednesday the application for a Certiorari writ by forensic pathologist Panikos Stavrianou, who sought to annul the findings of the third coroner, Doria Varosiotou, regarding the death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nikolaou.
Athina Dima, the lawyer representing the family of Thanasis Nikolaou, appeared on Protoselido to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision and Stavrianou’s statements claiming he felt vindicated.
“Mr Stavrianou was invited and excluded himself. On December 6, Mr Stavrianou was supposed to testify, but the representative of the Attorney General said that Mr Stavrianou was ill without presenting any documentation. He did so to submit the memorandum of Mr Marneridis, which he failed to do, and it was rejected. On the next hearing date, Mr Stavrianou reappeared to testify. The family called Mrs Spanoudaki to assist with his testimony. He came and said he wouldn’t testify but would submit a written statement. On his third appearance, instead of presenting a written statement, he submitted a 49-page forensic report. Our objection was clear: for Mr Stavrianou’s report not to be accepted, and if it was, Mrs Spanoudaki should testify on behalf of the family to refute it,” stated Ms Dima regarding Stavrianou’s remarks.
She clarified that no one prevented Mr Stavrianou from testifying; it was his choice not to.
She added that the decision was partially a vindication: “This soul, who was unjustly lost, has been vindicated with the coroner’s decision, and the stigma of suicide has been removed.”
In conclusion, she noted, “It is difficult to find the murderers, but on the other hand, I believe that whoever wants to, can do it, as long as someone is willing to seek out the murderers.”
Also read: Thanasis case: Supreme court decides on coroner’s request today
