A 16-year-old teen accused of the fatal beating of 17-year-old Angelos in northern Greece city of Serres last week was himself reportedly assaulted by fellow detainees while at a juvenile lockup, authorities said this week.
The teenager, who is being held on homicide charges, was attacked late Monday night inside the Kassaveteia rural detention facility for young offenders. According to reports, the assault took place during a broader disturbance involving multiple detainees in the facility west wing.
Eleven alleged assailants, aged 15 to 18, beat and tortured the 16-year-old, including whipping him with an electrical cord. Shortly after the attack, they set fire to mattresses inside the cell, causing thick smoke to fill the area and leading some detainees to show symptoms of fainting.
Firefighters responded shortly after 9:30 p.m. and brought the blaze under control before it could spread further. All juvenile detainees involved, including the assaulted teenager, were transported to a nearby hospital for first aid and later returned to the facility.
Authorities are investigating the incident and the suspected arson, which is believed to be linked to protests over incarceration conditions. Charges related to arson and property damage have been filed, while a separate investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the beating.
The 16-year-old is remand on charges of intentional homicide following the death of a 17-year-old teen in Serres. Prosecutors allege the victim suffered severe injuries during an assault and later died from traumatic brain injuries and ruptured internal organs, according to forensic findings.
