A series of criminal errors, actions and omissions – combined with a dysfunctional organisational structure of the country’s civil protection mechanism – substantially impacted the forest-fire fighting mechanism during the Mati fire, according to an expert’s report, submitted to prosecutors.

The 80-page report was submitted today to Athens Lower Court Prosecutor Elias Zagoraios by retired Lieutenant General Andrianos Kourbatsis, who conducted an investigation on behalf of two families of victims, represented by lawyer Antonis Foussas.

Kourbatsis notes that when new data become available he will file a supplementary report with prosecutors.

The expert pinpointed errors and responsibilities of the General Secretariat of Civil Protection, the Fire Service, Greek Police, municipalities and prefectures, without excluding the possibility that other competent state services may also bear responsibility.