State’s pathology report ‘consistent’ with private one in death of Thanasis

A report by a pathologist representing the state is “consistent” with the findings of one hired by the family of a soldier in that his death in 2005 was the result of foul play and not suicide, as initially ruled.

His mother, Andrianou Nicolaou, received the report on a memory stick on Friday during a coroner’s hearing in Limassol.

Nicolaou said they had not yet studied the report, but a quick look showed that its findings were “consistent” with one drafted by a pathologist hired by the family who said the death of her son Thanasis, was the result of strangulation and not suicide.

“We will study them and respond,” she told reporters outside the court. The next hearing is scheduled for July 2.

Greek pathologist Demetra Karayianni said she had found that Thanasis’ hyoid – a U shaped bone that supports the tongue — was fractured, and it had been inflicted before his death.

Karayianni was adamant that the fracture had been caused ante mortem and could only be caused by strangulation or hanging.

Injuries to the hyoid bone are rare. The most commonly reported injury is fracture, and it is often a post-mortem finding with a high incidence in victims of strangulation and hanging.

Thanasis died in September 2005, aged 26.

He was found dead under a bridge in Alassa, Limassol, about 12 kilometres from his home and barracks. He was meant to report back to his unit after an overnight leave.

His death had been ruled a suicide by authorities, a finding fiercely disputed by his family who have been fighting ever since to find out the truth.