The Greek appellate court found ten people guilty of causing wildfires that killed 104 people, confirming the lower court’s verdict. Among the accused are former fire brigade officials and a man charged with arson. Eleven people, including regional governors, were acquitted. Sentences will be handed down soon, with the accused facing possible suspended or monetary penalties. Families of the victims consider the charges too lenient, while survivors criticized the then-leftist government for poor coordination of rescue efforts. Authorities claimed strong winds hindered coordinated operations.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the failures of the then-leftist government in managing the rescue operations and criticize the leniency of the court’s verdict. They highlight the human tragedy and call for accountability and better disaster management policies.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the court ruling, the number of casualties, and the legal outcomes without strong editorializing. They present statements from both the authorities and the victims’ families, focusing on the judicial process and the challenges posed by natural conditions like strong winds.
Right: Right-leaning media focus on the legal responsibility of individuals, including former officials and arsonists, stressing law and order. They may also highlight the acquittal of regional governors and frame the verdict as a balanced judicial decision, sometimes downplaying government failures.
