The three foremen from Manolada accused of firing against a group of migrant workers are to testify today. The three accused foremen claim that they fired to scare off the 200 migrant workers who were demanding their unpaid wages.
The workers claim that the foremen refused to pay them and ordered them to leave. When they refused to leave, the three men returned with two hunting rifles and a pistol, firing against them. After the shooting they disappeared until Friday morning. Upon their arrest, the three men were taken to the prosecutor of Amaliada, who charged them with felonies.
The plantation owner of the plantation was also detained on charges of instigating attempted manslaughter with intent. The foremen face charges of attempted manslaughter with intent and complicity, grievous bodily harm, as well as violations of immigration and firearm law.
Of the three defendants, one denies any implication in the event and claims that the immigrant workers were first to make threats. The other two foremen claim they had no intention to cause manslaughter or harm. They also claimed that they are not responsible for the living conditions of the workers, pointing the blame to the 57-year-old plantation owner.
The plantation owner is still being hospitalized in Pyrgos, where he was taken after his arrest. Depending on the progress of the defendant’s health, the prosecutor will later decided whether to visit the hospital or have the defendant transferred to the Amaliada courts to testify.
