National guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou was strangled, judge rules (Update 4)
Fact: The death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou in 2005 was ruled as a result of strangulation and not suicide by a judge.
strangulation
Judge rules Thanasis Nicolaou death was murder by strangulation
Thanasis Nicolaou’s death in 2005 was ruled as resulting from strangulation by a judge, confirming his family’s belief of foul play. The decision was based on a comprehensive examination that concluded his death was a criminal act, despite initial reports of suicide by the army and police. The judge highlighted the clarity of forensic pathologist Dimitra Karagianni’s evidence, which supported the cause of death as strangulation. Relatives of the Nicolaou family applauded the verdict in court, with Thanasis’ mother expressing relief that justice had been served.
Verdict on Nicolaou, ’s death expected on May 10
– The death inquiry into the 2005 death of national guardsmen Thanasis Nicolaou will happen after Easter, with the next trial date set for May 10 to determine whether his death was the result of strangulation or suicide.
– Experts and pathologists presented testimonies pointing to the fact that Nicolaou was strangled.
– The conclusion that his death was due to a criminal act and not suicide was reached after exhumation and examination of Nicolaou’s bones in 2020.
– Public prosecutor Xenia Xenophontos maintained the suicide theory, despite condemnation from the European Court of Human Rights.
– The court rejected requests from medical examiner Stavrianos and other pathologists to attend the proceedings or provide testimony.