Defendants in Helios plane crash case acquitted
January 2012
Nicosia, CNA) - The majority of the Assize Court in Nicosia, in a prima facie decision, acquitted the defendants in the case of the Helios 2005 air crash which resulted in the death of all 121 passengers and crew on board, ruling that they bear no responsibility.
Judge Nicolas Santis has expressed his disagreement on the decision.
The five defendants are Helios as a legal person, Executive Chairman Andreas Drakos as a legal person, Helios Managing Director Demetris Pantazis, Director of Flight Operations George Kikkides and Helios chief pilot Ianco Stoimenov.
The relatives of the victims expressed their indignation at the court ruling and demanded that a report by a local commission of inquiry (the Kallis Commission) into the air crash be made public.
Cyprus Attorney General Petros Clerides said he will lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court.
