A 23-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a 20-year-old in Thessaloniki is scheduled to appear before a judge on Wednesday as the investigation into the killing continues.

The suspect will testify before an investigating magistrate in the city after requesting and receiving additional time to prepare his defense.

Charges include intentional homicide

Prosecutors have charged the 23-year-old with intentional homicide, as well as illegal possession and use of a weapon.

The fatal incident occurred in Kalamaria, a coastal district of Thessaloniki, where the victim was stabbed during an altercation.

Suspect claims self-defense

According to the suspect’s statement, he was attacked by a group of five individuals outside his home before the stabbing occurred.

He told investigators that he was being beaten when he pulled out a knife he was carrying for professional reasons. He said he reacted while unable to see clearly, which resulted in the fatal injury to the 20-year-old.

Following the confrontation, those involved reportedly fled the scene in different directions.

Police are also examining the suspect’s background, noting that he has previously come to the attention of authorities in cases related to drug offenses, illegal weapon possession and disobedience.

The suspect works in his family’s building materials trading business, according to reports.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify all individuals involved in the incident and to reconstruct the sequence of events before and after the altercation.