One of ten arrested Panathinaikos fans jailed pending trial

A Greek court has ordered one of ten organized fans of the Panathinaikos football club to be jailed pending trial, following a joint decision by an investigating judge and prosecutor. The ten individuals were arrested on suspicion of belonging to a criminal network allegedly responsible for organizing attacks against fans of other teams, as well as involvement in robberies, drug offenses, and possession of explosives.

Reports indicate that eight of the arrested individuals, who appeared in court, denied the accusations against them. Seven of them were released under restrictive conditions, while the remaining two, believed to hold leadership roles within the group, are scheduled for further hearings after a new deadline. These two are facing more serious charges.

During their testimonies, some of the accused reportedly denied any involvement in criminal organizations. One 20-year-old suspect stated he was a fan, not a hooligan, and attended a match but stayed in the back due to fear. He also claimed any drugs found were for personal use. Another 19-year-old claimed to be a victim of an attack rather than an aggressor and admitted to lying previously out of fear of getting involved.

The charges filed against the arrested individuals are extensive and include forming and joining a criminal organization, possession and manufacturing of explosives, aiding and abetting the use of explosives, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, drug trafficking, disturbing public order, complicity, dangerous bodily harm, property damage, violent conduct, and illegal possession of firearms and flares. Some of these offenses are being prosecuted under enhanced provisions of sports law.