Patras: Outcry Over Pre-trial Detention of Volunteers for Fire

The outcry is growing over the pre-trial detention of two volunteers accused of arson in the Girokomeio area of Patras, while they were participating in extinguishing the major fire. The accusation is based on photographs and testimony, but the Fire Department's report indicates that the fire was caused by embers carried by the wind.

The father of the 25-year-old, Theodoros Papanikolaou, stated on MEGA that his son and his friend were volunteers and were helping to extinguish the fire. "The children returned from the universities where they study and were preparing to go on a trip. But the fire that started on Tuesday caught up with them. They were there until dawn on Wednesday," he said.

Mr. Papanikolaou questioned the reliability of the photograph used as evidence, emphasizing that the photographer was 550 meters away. He also denied the misinformation that his son threw away his mobile phone, as the security had it from the beginning. The family has confidence in the justice system and awaits the release application.