Marfin case: Journalist questions 16-year delay in analyzing photos from bank attack

Sixteen years after the Marfin bank tragedy shocked Greece, the case is resurfacing with new evidence and a re-evaluation of crucial photographic documents. Journalist Ilias Provopoulos, who was present on the day of the attack and submitted his photographic material to the authorities immediately, spoke about the enduring memories and unanswered questions.

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These documents were given that same afternoon. I don't know why it took so long for the investigation and further processing of these photographs.

Provopoulos emphasized that he handed over all his photographic evidence to the police on the afternoon of the tragedy. "These documents were given that same afternoon. I don't know why it took so long for the investigation and further processing of these photographs," he stated, referring to more than 200 images capturing critical moments of the event.

Reflecting on a new video showing the dramatic moments inside the Marfin building, Provopoulos spoke with emotion about the psychological toll of the tragedy. "The thought that people were burning next to us remains like a weight on our souls and our minds. Every time we pass by Stadiou Street, we think about it," he said.

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The thought that people were burning next to us remains like a weight on our souls and our minds. Every time we pass by Stadiou Street, we think about it.

Regarding the years-long delay in utilizing the evidence, Provopoulos avoided speculation. "I cannot know. The case was revived once in 2021, almost ten years later. It stopped, and now suddenly I heard, I don't have constant contact, that some people were identified, some individuals were found who resemble [suspects] with the new processing they say," he explained.

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I cannot know. The case was revived once in 2021, almost ten years later. It stopped, and now suddenly I heard, I don't have constant contact, that some people were identified, some individuals were found who resemble [suspects] with the new processing they say.

Provopoulos also described the events outside the bank, disagreeing with the characterization of the perpetrators as an "assault squad." He clarified that it was a small group and expressed uncertainty about whether they knew people were inside or if Marfin was their specific target. He also corrected the description of the fire's ignition, stating it was not Molotov cocktails but a flammable liquid that caused the building to erupt in flames. He concluded by calling the entire affair "the tragedy of Marfin," lamenting the lack of answers after so many years.

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I call it the tragedy of Marfin. All of this and so many years that pass without an answer, without us knowing what happened and who was responsible and why.