Μake us preferred on Google The four defendants already in pretrial detention over the fatal arson attack at an apartment building in Thessaloniki, which led to the death of Vagia Nestora, are due to appear before an investigating magistrate again this week, as prosecutors move to supplement the charges against them.
The defendants, who have already given statements and been remanded in custody, are expected to provide supplementary statements on Thursday and Friday. One of the four is due to appear Thursday, with the other three scheduled for Friday.
The new development is reportedly linked to a supplement to the criminal prosecution already brought against the four defendants. The precise content of the additional charge has not yet been made public and is expected to be set out in a revised indictment, which is due to become known Thursday.
The revised indictment is expected to clarify what has changed in the prosecution and what additional evidence or legal considerations prompted authorities to summon all four defendants for further questioning.
One issue under consideration is reportedly the possible application of provisions of Greece’s counterterrorism legislation concerning the commission of a felony by a group, subject to the conditions stipulated by law. Reports have also suggested that this could raise the maximum sentence from 10 to 12 years, although that point is expected to be clarified by the new indictment and during the supplementary statements.
The case stems from the early-morning arson attack on July 1 at the apartment building in the Harilaou district of Thessaloniki where the family of New Democracy (ND) politician Aphrodite Nestora lived. Vagia Nestora, Aphrodite Nestora’s mother, died after suffering severe burns in the attack, while her daughter, her husband and two other residents were injured.
Three people were initially arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including homicide with possible intent, completed and attempted, participation in a terrorist organization, explosion, arson and violations of weapons legislation involving explosive materials. A fourth suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
The investigation has focused on evidence including remnants of the incendiary devices, DNA and fingerprints, security-camera footage and telephone communications. Authorities have also examined whether the attack was connected to two other arson attacks targeting homes associated with ND figures in Thessaloniki on the same day.
