The Forensic Examiner tasked with examining the body of Vasilis Kalogirou, whose death has led to speculations and wild allegations across Greece and in the parliament, has publicly taken herself off the case.
Forensic pathologist Roumbini Leontari, head of the Larissa Forensic Service, conducted the initial autopsy on Kalogirou’s body. Citing public scrutiny and personal attacks, on Friday she requested to recuse herself from the investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the death of 39-year-old Vasilis Kalogirou, who was found dead last Monday after a 50-day search. Kalogirou was the son of the head of the Larissa appellate prosecutor’s office, meaning the latter held a supervisory position over the prosecutors assigned to the closely-watched Tempi judicial investigation.
Kalogirou’s disappearance sparked speculation across Greece, with some linking it to his mother’s role in the Tempi train crash investigation. Authorities initially dismissed any connection, but after Kalogirou’s body was found this week with injuries, his mother suggested he may have been murdered. While initial findings reportedly do not indicate foul play, toxicology and histological tests are still pending to determine the exact cause of death.
In her resignation letter, Leontari the Forensic Examiner referenced social media criticism, particularly from the president of the Tempi Victims’ Relatives Association. She stated: “Almost all the media were flooded with insulting references against me, unfavourable comments about my scientific competence, comments about my impartiality…[…]I have no mechanisms of defence and response to the vulgarities and lies spread. My voice to defend the forensic service and my person is weak…For ethical reasons and given that my personality has been brutally affected and having an official duty to protect the honour of my service, I request to abstain from the investigation…”
Maria Karystianou, president of the Tempi Victims’ Relatives Association, had questioned Leontari’s involvement in Kalogirou’s case, given her role in the forensic examination of the victims of the 2023 Tempi rail disaster. In a social media post, she expressed doubts about the transparency of the investigation, writing: “The same Medical Examiner, who at the moment of my great pain, told me that my child supposedly died instantly and consented to put what was left of his burnt body with the rest of the burnt children in bags without doing the provisional toxicological examinations, as required! […] Nothing is accidental in the haunted Tempi case. They think it’s all well organized. But what haven’t they calculated? The Eye of God! The one that sees everything!”
The preliminary autopsy of Kalogirou revealed an injury to the hyoid bone (a small bone located between the chin and the thyroid cartilage) which forensic pathologists say can be an indicator of strangulation. However, authorities have not yet determined whether this injury is linked to the cause of death.
“Forensic science considers a fracture in this bone as a potential sign of strangulation,” explained forensic expert Grigoris Leon to To Vima, “but further tests are required before drawing conclusions.”
Meanwhile, a key witness from Athens has been called to testify before judicial authorities, following an analysis of electronic records. Kalogirou’s parents and uncle have also been summoned to provide statements on Monday, after they have expressed concerns publicly that his death may have involved criminal activity.
The case has now become a hot-button political issue, with opposition leaders questioning why authorities were so quick to rule out foul play. Members of parliament sparred over the issue on the plenary floor on Tuesday.
Supreme Court Prosecutor Georgia Adeilini has defended the initial response but has now instructed the Larissa District Court Prosecutor’s Office to conduct an urgent preliminary inquiry to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Kalogirou’s death.
