A Greek court has ordered the pretrial detention of a 44-year-old man accused of killing a 50-year-old community leader last week, rejecting the suspect’s claim that he acted in self-defense.

Following a lengthy hearing, judicial authorities ruled that the suspect should be remanded in custody after finding his account of the fatal shooting unconvincing. The killing took place on Saturday morning, January 17, in a rural village in the Makryneia area, part of the Aitoloakarnania regional unit.

According to his testimony, the suspect argued that he acted out of fear, claiming the victim had followed him, threatened him in the past, and pointed a shotgun at him moments before the shooting. He reportedly told investigators that he panicked after seeing a weapon and believed his life was in immediate danger.

However, preliminary forensic findings appear to contradict that version of events. The medical examiner determined that the victim was shot three times from behind, with the pellets striking his head and back from the rear left side of his vehicle.

Authorities said these findings played a key role in the decision to order the suspect’s detention. Legal experts noted that the defense is expected to focus on whether the killing was premeditated or carried out under perceived threat, an issue that will be examined during the trial.