Expired National Guard hand grenades, with visible cracks in their casings, instead of being sent for disposal, were handed over to ELDYK, causing a tragic accident in February 2024 that forever scarred the life of a 23-year-old soldier.
The ELDYK soldier suffered an amputation of his palm while throwing a hand grenade at the Stavrovouni firing range, and 20 months later, he also lost his right eye. Two years later, the young man—now 25—filed a lawsuit against the Greek government, seeking compensation for the irreparable damage he suffered.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Since this case has now taken its course through the courts, we must be extremely careful about everything we say regarding this matter.”
Vasilis Palmas – Minister of Defense
The proceedings before the Athens Court of First Instance, which were brought to light today by the newspaper Fileleftheros, were accompanied by revelations which confirm concerns about gaps in oversight of the National Guard’s military equipment.
“The 73 hand grenades were ‘visually inspected for cracks’ by a second lieutenant, and that was the State’s sole argument during the hearing on the lawsuit. Two were removed due to ‘cracks.’ Two others were never detonated. And one severed the right hand and blinded a Greek soldier.”
Konstantinos Mortopoulos – Attorney for the 25-year-old
The hand grenade that exploded in Eldykarios’s hands came from a batch of hand grenades that should have been withdrawn from service in 2018. Instead, it was supplied to the Greek Force in Cyprus in 2023. The court heard the arguments from both sides—the 25-year-old’s attorneys and representatives of the Greek government—and reserved its decision.
Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros:
