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Contact: Pamela Hennessy email: phenn@zimp.org |
Press Release
Assignment ? Terri Schiavo Case
Has collusion been a factor in the Terri Schiavo case? Supporters of the disabled Pinellas woman think so.
Clearwater, FL September 16, 2003: Supporters of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation have uncovered a possible link to collusion in the legal proceedings involving attorney George Felos (representing Michael Schiavo) and the neurologist Dr. Peter Bambakidis (court appointed, independent, examining physician).
During the 2002 trials, the court ordered that two physicians would be chosen by Michael Schiavo, two would be chosen by Bob and Mary Schindler (Terri Schiavo?s parents) and one would be appointed by the court as an independent examining physician. All five physicians would later give testimony to the condition of Ms. Schiavo. The independent physician, Dr. Peter Bambakidis of Ohio, would testify in favor of Michael Schiavo in that Ms. Schiavo was in a persistent vegetative state and without hope of recovery.
Supporters of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation have learned that Dr. Bambakidis and attorney George Felos may have had a personal relationship prior to Dr. Bambakidis being assigned to the case on April 24, 2002.
In marketing materials promoting his seminars, Mr. Felos notes that he has served as a Governor for the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (document here).
Upon research, supporters discovered that the Ohio chapter of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association was managed by Gust Bambakidis (link here).
Both Gust and Peter Bambakidis are graduates of Case Western University (Gust, Peter) and are believed to be related. Both were born in Ohio and live there currently. Additionally, Nicholas Bambakidis (son of Gust and a neurologist) had, for some time, worked with Peter Bambakidis (link here).
During testimony in 2002, Dr. Peter Bambakidis was asked repeatedly by attorney Patricia Anderson (representing Bob and Mary Schindler) if he had any personal relationship with attorney George Felos (link here). Dr. Bambakidis insisted that he did not know of Mr. Felos prior to being appointed by Judge Greer though he could not provide sufficient explanation as to his appointment nor had he ever testified in any similar court case prior to the 2002 trial of Terri Schindler-Schiavo.
The supporters of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation believe these coincidences to be indication of possible collusion in the case and are calling on state officials to launch a full and thorough investigation. This apparent connection raises many questions by the Foundation as to the neutrality and integrity of the proceedings. Supporters have complained that neither state officials nor press have investigated these irregularities. By copy of this release, notice will be given to Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Bernie McCabe and Florida?s Attorney General Charlie Crist.
Developing..