**Grenades Withdrawn from National Guard Following Soldier's Injury**
In a significant legal case unfolding in Greece, lawyers representing a former Greek soldier, who suffered severe injuries from a grenade incident while serving in Cyprus, revealed that two grenades from a batch supplied to the National Guard (Eldyk) have been withdrawn due to safety concerns. The soldier, now 25, is pursuing a lawsuit against the Greek state for substantial compensation after losing his right hand during a training exercise in February 2024.
The incident occurred at a firing range in the Stavrovouni area, where the soldier was injured while throwing a grenade from a batch of 73 grenades manufactured in Egypt in 2008. These grenades were received by the National Guard in 2009, but under the terms of the original contract, they had a shelf life of only ten years, which meant they should have been withdrawn or destroyed by 2018. Despite this, the grenades were transferred to Eldyk at its request in 2023.
During a court hearing in Athens last Friday, the soldier's legal team presented evidence indicating that the grenade that exploded was part of this outdated batch. They highlighted that the only inspection performed prior to the grenades' use was a visual check for cracks conducted by a lieutenant, which they argue is insufficient for ensuring safety. The lawyers noted that two grenades from the batch were subsequently withdrawn after cracks were detected, while another incident involving a premature activation of a grenade’s firing mechanism had previously resulted in an amputation.
The case has drawn attention from the Cyprus Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, who acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings but refrained from commenting further to avoid complicating the case. Palmas stated, “There is a legal proceeding underway in Greece concerning this specific incident and the lawsuits filed by those who suffered the accident against the Greek state,” emphasizing the sensitivity of the matter.
The administrative court in Athens has reserved its decision following the hearing, where arguments were presented by both the plaintiff and the Greek state. The law firm representing the injured soldier has raised concerns regarding the lack of a technical manual accompanying the grenades, which is critical for their proper use and maintenance. This absence, combined with the failure to properly assess the grenades' condition, raises questions about the safety protocols in place for military equipment.
House defence committee chairman Evgenios Chamboullas has also weighed in on the situation, requesting access to data and minutes related to the findings of the inquiry. He has urged caution, acknowledging the ongoing legal proceedings in Greece. Chamboullas reassured the public that current security measures are designed to protect National Guard personnel and that upgrades to equipment are ongoing.
This incident is not isolated, as it echoes a previous case from April 2014, when Andreas Doulappas, a trainee with the underwater demolition unit, lost his right hand due to a similar grenade explosion. A document issued by the National Guard in August 2016 had already warned against the use of these grenades, citing issues with melted explosive material that had jammed part of the grenade during training exercises.
As the case progresses, it highlights critical issues surrounding military safety protocols, the management of aging munitions, and the responsibilities of the state to ensure the safety of its armed forces. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for military practices and the handling of potentially hazardous equipment in the future.