A three-member felony appeals court has acquitted Nikos Romanos and two co-defendants over their alleged involvement in a 2024 apartment explosion in central Athens, with judges citing serious doubts about the evidence.
The explosion took place inside the apartment when an improvised device detonated in the hands of Kyriakos Xymitiris, killing him instantly. His partner, Mariana Manoura, was seriously injured in the blast.
Following the decision, Romanos and the two other defendants—identified as Dimitris P. and Argyris K.—are set to be released after more than 17 months in pre-trial detention.
The court adopted the recommendation of the prosecutor, who had called for their acquittal due to “serious doubts” about their involvement. One of the acquitted men had been linked to the case through a partial fingerprint found on a bag, while another had been implicated in delivering the apartment keys.
The court found Manoura and another defendant, Dimitra Z., guilty of multiple offenses related to the case. The charges include participation in a criminal organization, manufacturing and possession of explosive devices, possession of firearms and ammunition, causing an explosion, and damage to property.
Dimitra Z. was also found to have arranged for the couple to stay in the apartment where the explosion occurred.
The trial is continuing, with the court expected to announce sentences for the two convicted women later.
