The 32-year-old mother from Algeria is due to appear before a prosecutor in Athens on Wednesday morning, accused of involvement in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, whose body was discovered on Eden Beach in the coastal suburb of Palaio Faliro.
The case has gripped public attention in Greece, as authorities investigate allegations of deliberate drowning and abuse, claims the woman has categorically denied.
“It Was an Accident,” Says the Mother
The woman, currently held at a local coast guard station, insists the child’s death was accidental. According to her account, the girl was already dead when she left her on the beach, and she strongly denies harming her.
Through her lawyer, the woman has declared herself “absolutely innocent” of the charges, particularly rejecting the accusation of intentional homicide. Upon learning that she was being portrayed as a murderer, her lawyer said she broke down in tears, calling her “devastated.”
Authorities Investigate Escape Plans and Phone Activity
Authorities are now reviewing the woman’s mobile phone, which may contain evidence suggesting an attempt to flee Greece the day after the incident. Reports suggest she may have tried to arrange a return to Algeria, stating she had two children, not three.
Her whereabouts and behavior on the day of the incident are under scrutiny, including why she allegedly discarded the clothes she wore when the child drowned.
Her lawyer, however, claimed that such allegations are not supported by the case file she has reviewed. “I’m not saying this is misinformation,” she said, “but I cannot confirm it.”
Caretaker’s Testimony and Questions Over Delay in Seeking Help
A man familiar with the family told Greek media he had previously reported the woman’s partner for domestic violence, and claimed to have seen signs of abuse on the child. When he questioned the woman’s other two children about an apparent injury, they reportedly pointed to their mother.
Asked why no one brought the injured child to a hospital, the caretaker said he warned the woman that if they did, “the doctors would call the police and we’d be detained.”
The mother reportedly acknowledged that not calling for medical help was a grave mistake and is willing to cooperate with authorities to clarify the circumstances.
Final Cause of Death Still Pending
The outcome of the case may hinge on the final forensic report, which is still pending. The lawyer emphasized the importance of the toxicological and histological findings, saying no definitive conclusion can be drawn until that report is complete.
While the mother says she is willing to accept any legal responsibility that rightfully belongs to her, she maintains she did not commit any violent act against her child.
