Georgian woman sentenced for negligent arson in Chios

A 31-year-old Georgian national was sentenced to three years in prison and fined €10,000 by the Chios Three-Member Plenary Court for causing a wildfire through negligence earlier this week.

According to court findings, the fire broke out in the Leptopoda area of Chios on Monday, allegedly sparked by a half-lit cigarette discarded by the woman. The blaze occurred as another major fire was being fought in central Chios, placing added strain on local firefighting resources.

The woman had arrived on the island just 24 hours prior to the incident to begin work as a domestic helper for an elderly resident.

The court recognized mitigating circumstances and handed down the minimum sentence prescribed for the charge of negligent arson. The ruling is immediately enforceable.