The inquiry into the death of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou is expected to conclude by December 22, with witness testimonies scheduled in the coming days to address the disputed circumstances surrounding Nicolaou’s demise in 2005. The court is prioritizing the case and aiming for a timely conclusion, providing hope for closure before the holiday season.
What is the expected timeline for the conclusion of the inquiry into Thanasis Nicolaou’s death?
The inquiry into the death of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou is expected to conclude by December 22. This deadline is set by the court in an effort to provide closure before the holiday season, with critical witness testimonies scheduled in the coming days to address the disputed circumstances surrounding Nicolaou’s demise in 2005.
Inquiry Updates Set a Pre-Christmas Deadline
The ongoing investigation into the tragic demise of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou has seen significant developments, with witness testimony scheduled for the coming days. Nicolaou’s untimely death in 2005 left many questions unanswered, but the court is now actively pushing for resolution, targeting the process’s completion by December 22.
Tensions Rise as Witnesses Prepare to Speak
During the latest court session held on Friday, the atmosphere was palpably tense. Nicolaou’s parents publicly voiced their dissatisfaction with the Legal Service’s representative. The contention arose over a call for medical examiner Panikos Stavrianos to take the stand. Stavrianos had originally deemed the guardsman’s death a suicide, a conclusion that was later challenged by new evidence following the exhumation of Nicolaou’s remains.
Legal Proceedings and Expert Testimonies
In prior sessions, Stavrianou’s request to participate as an interested party was denied, intensifying the legal struggle. The current legal counsel for the family pressed the Legal Service for a clear stance on the acceptance of the new findings. This is a pivotal point, as it could negate the need for expert witnesses from Greece, a proposal that the Legal Service opposes.
The judge, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has prioritized the case, even postponing other matters on the docket. The court has provided time for both parties to liaise with the Greek experts to confirm their availability for testimony in Cyprus.
Key Figures and Testimony Schedule
The court is set to hear from several crucial figures in the case. Notably, the former head of the Athens forensic service, Filippos Koutsaftis, is unable to attend due to his advanced age. However, efforts are being made to gather relevant information from Professor Emmanuel Agapitos.
The lawyer representing Nicolaou’s family has expressed a desire for pathologist Dimitra Karagianni and criminal investigator Savvas Matsas to provide their testimonies. The scheduled witnesses include the court recorder, the responsible police investigator, and Dr. Marios Kariolou of the Institute of Neurology and Genetics, all set to testify on December 4. Following them, Stavrianos will testify on December 6 per a request from the Legal Service, with additional testimonies anticipated.
The Court’s Aim for a Timely Conclusion
With the case’s intricacies and the emotional weight it carries for all involved, the court is determined to conclude the proceedings by December 22. This deadline underscores the urgency and significance of the inquiry, offering a glimmer of hope for closure before the holiday season. The anticipation for what these testimonies might reveal is palpable, as the community seeks answers in this longstanding case.
Quick Recap
- The inquiry into the death of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou is expected to conclude by December 22, with witness testimonies scheduled in the coming days.
- Tensions have risen during court sessions, with Nicolaou’s parents expressing dissatisfaction with the Legal Service’s representative.
- The court has prioritized the case, even postponing other matters on the docket, and has provided time for both parties to liaise with Greek experts for testimony.
- Key figures in the case, including former head of the Athens forensic service Filippos Koutsaftis, will provide testimonies.
- The court aims to conclude the proceedings by December 22, offering hope for closure before the holiday season.
