Former ELDYK soldier sues Greek state over 2024 grenade injury

A 25-year-old former soldier serving with the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) is suing the Greek state for compensation following a life-altering accident in February 2024. During a training exercise at the Stavrovouni firing range, a grenade exploded prematurely, resulting in the amputation of the soldier's right palm and the eventual loss of his right eye. The case, which involves claims for hundreds of thousands of euros, reached the Athens Administrative Court of First Instance last Friday, where the court reserved its decision.

Legal representatives for the plaintiff revealed that the grenade originated from a batch of 73 units manufactured in Egypt in 2008 and acquired by the National Guard in 2009. Evidence presented in court suggests that this batch had a 10-year shelf life, meaning the munitions should have been decommissioned or destroyed by 2018. The defense highlighted that two grenades from this batch were previously removed due to visible cracks, though the state argued that the specific device involved had undergone a visual inspection. Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas confirmed the ministry is aware of the situation but declined further comment due to the ongoing judicial proceedings.