Two of the three suspects arrested over the deadly firebombing attack in Thessaloniki earlier this month, which resulted in the death of Vagia Nestora, have been placed in pretrial detention following decisions by an investigating magistrate and prosecutor on Tuesday.
The third suspect is scheduled to appear before investigators on Wednesday.
The two detained suspects, aged 29 and 26, gave brief statements but declined to answer questions during their testimony. According to public broadcaster ERT, they claimed they are the victims of a conspiracy and invoked their right to remain silent. They also reportedly refused to cooperate with police.
The third suspect, aged 24, requested through his lawyers additional time before appearing before the investigating officer.
A group of antiauthoritarian activists gathered outside the Thessaloniki courthouse on Tuesday to express support for the suspects.
The three suspects were arrested last week in connection with the attack on the home of New Democracy (ND) parliamentary candidate Afroditi Nestora. Her mother, Vagia Nestora, later died from injuries sustained in the firebombing.
Authorities allege that the 29-year-old and 26-year-old suspects were involved in planting the explosive device, while the 24-year-old is accused of owning the apartment where the other two allegedly sought shelter following the attack.
All three suspects face the same charges, including participation in a terrorist organization, homicide with possible intent, attempted and completed acts of violence, explosion, arson, and violations of weapons legislation related to the possession of explosives.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Squad continues its investigation into the attacks, seeking to identify the person or persons believed to have orchestrated the three arson incidents in Thessaloniki.
The other two attacks targeted the homes of former ND lawmaker Savvas Anastasiadis and Zisis Ioakimovic, president of the ND’s Thessaloniki Administrative Committee.
A group of antiauthoritarian activists gathered outside the Thessaloniki courthouse on Tuesday to express support for the suspects.
