The testimony of Konstantinos Tziortziotis, the owner of Violanta, was a marathon session lasting nearly five hours, where he expressed shock over the explosion that killed five of his employees. Despite his lengthy defense, both the investigator and the prosecutor decided to place him in custody, indicating that they found his explanations unconvincing. Tziortziotis maintained throughout his statement that he was not privy to the technical details of his business, relying instead on his collaborators whom he trusted due to his lack of technical expertise.

During the proceedings, Tziortziotis reiterated his assertion that he could not be responsible for the technical issues leading up to the incident, arguing that it was the responsibility of those working closely with him. His defense highlighted the personal impact of the tragedy, mentioning that his children played in the same area where the explosion occurred, further emphasizing his emotional distress. This aspect of his argument aimed to illustrate his deep connection to the business and the personal losses suffered.

The case raises important questions about accountability in business management, particularly in industries where technical safety measures are crucial. Tziortziotis’s claims reflect a common dilemma faced by business owners who may operate in complex environments but lack the specialized knowledge to oversee every aspect of operational safety. The decision of the judicial authorities to impose pre-trial detention highlights the serious legal implications of the situation, pointing to a potential shift in how business operations are scrutinized in similar tragic incidents in Greece.