Two doctors have been remanded in custody following their lengthy appearances before an investigating magistrate and prosecutor in connection with the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis during a plasmapheresis treatment at a private clinic in Athens.
According to Proto Thema, Ioanna Gaka and her husband, Ilias Theodoropoulos, face charges of homicide with possible intent by omission and were ordered held in custody after a process that reportedly lasted around 17 hours.
Doctors deny wrongdoing
Gaka, who allegedly oversaw the treatment, denied the accusations and maintained that all required medical protocols had been followed.
According to the report, she stated that the patient's cardiac arrest occurred at approximately 4:15pm and that emergency services were contacted six minutes later, at 4:21pm.
She also argued that alarms recorded by the plasmapheresis machine did not necessarily indicate an imminent cardiac arrest and could have been linked to technical issues involving intravenous catheters.
Claims regarding emergency response
Gaka reportedly placed particular emphasis on the patient's transfer by ambulance, arguing that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was interrupted during transport and that this may have affected his chances of survival.
Addressing photographs of Mazonakis found on her mobile phone, she reportedly said photographing patients was part of her routine medical practice and insisted that the images were not shared with her husband.
Second doctor denies involvement
Theodoropoulos, according to Proto Thema, denied any involvement in the plasmapheresis treatment.
He reportedly told investigators that he only became aware of the incident after 4pm and claimed that at 4:06pm he was prescribing medication for another patient.
The claim was reportedly supported by statements from the clinic's secretary and a patient.
Authorities unconvinced
Despite the explanations offered by both defendants, judicial authorities were reportedly not persuaded by their accounts and ordered their temporary detention while the investigation continues.
Following her testimony, Gaka reportedly felt unwell at the former Evelpidon court complex.
An ambulance was called to the scene, but she is reported to have declined medical assistance.
Source: Proto Thema
