Six out of the eight suspects arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a bank branch in the town of Kato Tithorea, south- central Greece, were ordered held in pre-trial detention after appearing before an investigating magistrate on Friday, while two others were released under restrictive conditions.

Tensions reportedly erupted outside the Athens criminal courts complex following the decision, where supporters of the defendants had gathered.

According to local media, several defendants testified that they are anarchists. Others reportedly declined to fully address allegations linking the group of suspects to 1armed robberies, saying they would testify at a later stage.

Three suspects reportedly argued they had neither used violence nor resisted arrest.

Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges against the accused, including participation in a criminal organization, armed robbery, aggravated theft, illegal possession and carrying of firearms and military-style weapons, violence against public officials, drug possession for personal use and falsifying vehicle license plates.

The arrests followed a large-scale police operation targeting a group authorities allege carried out a series of robberies across south-central Greece.