Chios tragedy: Moroccan suspected smuggler remanded in custody

The Moroccan man whom passengers of the speedboat that collided with a coast guard vessel on the evening of Tuesday, February 3 in Chios identified as a migrant smuggler was remanded in custody after his testimony to the investigating magistrate of Chios First Instance Court, which began shortly after 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 7. The African national had been given 24 hours to prepare his defense, with reports indicating he was expected to deny his involvement in the case and hoped not to become a victim of political motives, as his lawyers had stated. The investigating magistrate and prosecutor were in agreement, and the Moroccan was remanded in custody. According to testimonies, this particular man was the one who picked them up from the Turkish coast of Cesme, intending to transport them to Greece. These testimonies formed the basis for serious charges against him, which include felony-level offenses. Judicial authorities are examining with particular attention the testimonies of the survivors, as well as the remaining evidence that has been collected, in order to determine with precision the role of each person involved in the tragedy that claimed 15 lives.