The three individuals arrested in connection with the arson attacks in Thessaloniki are facing very serious charges, which culminated in the deadly explosion at the home of Aphrodite Nestora, where 72-year-old Vagia Nestora lost her life.

The three defendants—a 29-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 26-year-old woman—were brought before the prosecutor on Saturday following a major operation by the Counterterrorism Unit in various areas of Thessaloniki, and are expected to enter a plea tomorrow.

Criminal charges have been filed against them—individually and jointly, as applicable—for murder with possible intent, forming a terrorist organization, and possession of explosive materials, among other offenses.

According to the investigation, the 29-year-old man and the 26-year-old woman are believed to be the couple who planted the explosive device that resulted in the tragic death of Vagia Nestora. However, authorities believe they were not involved in the two previous attacks, which took place on the same day and targeted former New Democracy MP Stratos Simopoulos and the chairman of the New Democracy Executive Committee in Thessaloniki, with investigations into those incidents still ongoing.

According to reports, the suspects’ movements before and after the attack played a decisive role in their identification. Investigators determined that they had conducted repeated reconnaissance of the area, while their hideout was located a very short distance from the site of the explosion. In addition, security camera footage captured the perpetrators’ physical characteristics, and police cross-referenced this information with individuals already known to the authorities from the anti-authoritarian scene.

The third suspect, a 24-year-old man, is the owner of the apartment that was allegedly used as a hideout. According to reports, he is expected to argue in his defense that he was unaware of the purpose for which he rented out the apartment and that he had no involvement in the attacks.

Police authorities are also examining the possibility that two different groups were behind the three attacks on July 1, while the investigation continues to identify any additional suspects.

Source: ertnews.gr