One of the doctors remanded in custody over the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis has been transferred to Korydallos Prison, as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal plasmapheresis procedure carried out at a medical practice in Kolonaki.
According to reports by Proto Thema, judicial authorities have placed particular emphasis on the response to warning alarms from the plasmapheresis machine, the timing of the call to emergency medical services (EKAV), and the conditions under which the treatment was performed.
Two doctors remanded in custody
Ioanna Gaka, one of the two doctors facing prosecution in the case, was transferred from a police station in Athens to Korydallos Prison early on Thursday following the decision to place her in pre-trial detention.
Her husband, Ilias Theodoropoulos, who is also a defendant in the case, remains in custody and is expected to be transferred to prison as well.
The pair face a charge of intentional homicide with possible intent by omission, following an upgrade of the original charge of fatal endangerment.
Warning alarms under scrutiny
According to the reported judicial reasoning behind the remand decision, investigators are examining what occurred when Mazonakis' condition allegedly began to deteriorate during the plasmapheresis procedure.
Particular attention is reportedly being given to warning alarms generated by the machine.
Judicial authorities are said to be investigating whether alerts indicated a serious deterioration in the singer's condition and whether the procedure should have been stopped at that stage.
Questions over emergency response
The timing of the emergency call to EKAV is also a central element of the investigation.
According to the reports, authorities believe an ambulance may not have been requested promptly after the situation worsened.
Investigators are also examining whether the two doctors had the capability and equipment necessary to provide appropriate medical assistance after Mazonakis suffered cardiac arrest.
Conditions of treatment examined
Authorities are further investigating claims that significant medical procedures were carried out in premises that allegedly lacked the required licensing and equipment.
The reported judicial findings also question whether all necessary medical examinations and assessments were completed before the treatment was initiated.
Alleged obstruction concerns
According to the reports, the remand decision also took into account actions that investigators believe may have complicated the inquiry and limited access to evidence relevant to the case.
These issues reportedly formed part of the reasoning that led authorities to consider detention necessary while the investigation continues.
Defence plans appeal
Lawyers representing both doctors have announced their intention to challenge the remand orders before the competent judicial council.
In a statement, the law firm Nikos Agapinos and Partners described the upgraded homicide charge as "completely unjustified" and argued that the procedural rights of the defendants had been seriously violated.
The legal challenge is expected to be among the next major developments in a case that has attracted significant public attention following the death of the well-known singer during the medical procedure.
Source: Proto Thema
