Greece: Arson Suspects Granted Extension, Deny Charges

Three individuals arrested in connection with a string of arsons in Messenia, Greece, have been granted until Wednesday to submit their defense statements. They remain in police custody while awaiting this.

The accused face charges for intentionally starting seven fires in agricultural and forest areas. Authorities allege these fires, which occurred between 2024 and 2025, posed a risk to human life and resulted in significant property destruction. Some of the defendants are also charged with extortion.

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All the accused deny the charges leveled against them and argued that during their testimonies they will present evidence that, as he said, will prove their innocence.

According to public broadcaster ERT, the defense lawyer for one of the accused, Konstantinos Margelis, stated that all defendants deny the accusations. Margelis asserted they would present evidence proving their innocence during their testimonies. He also criticized the early public disclosure of case file information and personal data of the accused before defense lawyers could access the full file.

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At the same time, Mr. Margelis denounced the publication of case file details and personal data of the accused even before the defense lawyers obtained access to the case file.