The Deputy Mayor on Lemnos has been released after authorities questioned him over the wildfire that broke out in the Thanos area of the island.
The prosecutor ordered the preliminary investigation to continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Authorities had opened a case against the deputy mayor on suspicion of negligent arson through omission. After questioning him, the authorities decided to release him while the investigation continues.
He also received an administrative fine of €7,546.
Deputy mayor taken to Mytilene
According to ERT, authorities transported the deputy mayor to Mytilene aboard the Nisos Samos ferry, where he appeared before the competent authorities as part of the required legal procedure.
The case has now taken another turn after a new witness account came under scrutiny.
Fire brigade examines possible deliberate arson
The Northern Aegean Directorate’s Department for Combating Arson Crimes is examining a citizen’s allegation that could change the direction of the investigation.
According to the complaint, a third party may have deliberately started the fire.
Authorities are now examining the testimony alongside the existing evidence as they seek to establish how the wildfire started.
