Chania: Adjournment of felony hearing – Investigation into abuse of 3-year-old continues
The mother and her partner appeared before the prosecutor but were only charged with misdemeanours. The case file regarding felonies remains open.
Adjournment of felony hearing in case of 3-year-old girl in Chania
According to ERT, the 25-year-old mother of Bulgarian origin and her 26-year-old Pakistani partner did not face charges on felony counts, contrary to initial reports that this would occur. Both appeared before the prosecutor, however the proceedings concerned only administrative and misdemeanour violations.
Specifically, the partner is accused of illegal entry into the country, whilst the mother is accused of making false statements. Both were given a deadline for summary trial on misdemeanour charges: the mother will stand trial on Tuesday 26 May and the partner on Wednesday 27 May.
The case file regarding felonies has not yet been handed over to the prosecutor, as police investigation and preliminary inquiry are still ongoing. ERT reports that the case file is characterised as "bound" and that the pursuit of felony charges is considered certain. It remains an open question whether the charges will relate to attempted premeditated manslaughter or grievous bodily harm with intent.
The 3-year-old girl is being treated in critical condition in the Paediatric ICU of Panagia Hospital. Three other children – aged 8, 6 and 10 months – are hospitalised at Chania Hospital. Competent authorities are investigating whether these children are biologically related to the 25-year-old, a matter that will be clarified through DNA testing.
ERT also reports that the information that the 25-year-old had previously lost children has not been confirmed so far. The data to date point to the conclusion that this is a false statement by her, however every aspect of the case continues to be examined.
Source: ERT