Unwavering Legal Stance on Nicolaou Case
In a recent development, the Legal Service has confirmed its decision not to contest the court verdict regarding the death of Thanasis Nicolaou. The ruling, which emerged on Thursday, concluded that Nicolaou was a victim of strangulation, overturning previous assertions of suicide.
Sources within the Legal Service disclosed ongoing communications with the president and mentioned a letter that had been dispatched to convey their stance on the matter. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, in a press briefing, assured that comprehensive support would be extended to the criminal investigators tasked with delving into the intricacies of Nicolaou’s demise.
The cabinet’s recent appointment of retired Greek police lieutenant Lambros Pappas and lawyer Thanasis Athanasiou marks a significant step in unraveling the alleged coverup behind Nicolaou’s death. Despite the challenges posed by the passage of 19 years since the incident, there remains a glimmer of hope among Nicolaou’s family members for uncovering the truth.
Andriana Nicolaou, Thanasis’ mother, voiced her family’s yearning for closure and justice. She lamented the hasty funeral arrangements that followed her son’s discovery, suggesting an attempt to bury the truth alongside him.
Letymbiotis emphasized the government’s commitment to illuminating the facts and providing solace to the family after nearly two decades of anguish. The quest for clarity and accountability is paramount in this third inquiry into Nicolaou’s untimely death.
The case took a pivotal turn last week when investigators concluded that Nicolaou’s death was due to strangulation, not suicide as initially reported. This revelation has been long-awaited by his family, who have steadfastly maintained that Nicolaou was murdered.
Nicolaou, whose lifeless body was discovered under Alassa bridge in September 2005 at the age of 26, became a controversial figure in forensic pathology. The initial ruling by forensic pathologist Panicos Stavrianos, which suggested suicide, has been a point of contention. Stavrianos is reportedly preparing to challenge the latest findings by seeking a writ of certiorari from the Supreme Court to annul the coroner’s report.
