Two remanded in custody over fatal arson attack in Greece; third suspect to testify

A 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman have been ordered into pre-trial detention in Greece, following their testimonies to an investigating magistrate. They are accused of carrying out a fatal arson attack on the home of the Nestor family in the early hours of July 1st. The fire resulted in the death of the mother, Vagia Nestor, and left four other individuals injured.

The two suspects, identified as the alleged perpetrators of the deadly attack involving gas canisters, have denied the serious charges against them. These charges include five felonies: intentional homicide (completed and attempted), belonging to a terrorist organization, arson, and illegal possession of explosives. According to reports, the suspects, who are known to authorities and associated with anarchist circles, claim they are victims of a "frame-up" being "instrumentalized for communication purposes."

A third co-accused, a 24-year-old man, is scheduled to testify before the same magistrate tomorrow. Authorities allege this individual provided the house used as a staging ground before and after the attack. He reportedly claims to not know the other co-accused and stated he lent the keys to the abandoned house to friends without knowing their intentions.

The investigation into the case is proceeding "in rem," meaning it targets the criminal acts under investigation rather than specific individuals at this stage. The individual charges for each participant will be determined during the main investigation phase. The decision to detain the two suspects was made with the agreement of both the investigating magistrate and the prosecutor. Meanwhile, supporters gathered at the Thessaloniki courts to express solidarity with the detained individuals, prompting increased security measures.