Murder of Nestor in Thessaloniki: Supplementary Statements with Counter-Terrorism Provisions
Four defendants accused in the arson attack that cost Vagia Nestor her life are making statements before the investigating judge. Examination is underway into the application of a counter-terrorism provision that could result in increased sentences.
Four defendants before investigating judge over death of Vagia Nestor
The four remand detainees accused in connection with the fatal arson attack on the Nestor family apartment building in Thessaloniki have appeared again before the investigating judge. The first of the defendants was called to make a statement today, Thursday, with the remaining three expected to appear before the judicial officer tomorrow, Friday. The attack cost Vagia Nestor her life.
According to Dikastiko.gr, the supplementary statement procedure commenced following the expansion of the criminal prosecution that had originally been brought against the four. A key element of the new indictment is the examination of the application of a provision under the counter-terrorism framework, which is activated under specific conditions when a felony is committed by a group of persons.
The application of this provision entails stricter criminal treatment for those involved. According to available information, a reassessment of sentences may result, with the maximum penalty potentially increasing from 10 to 12 years, depending on the legal assessment of the case. The full content of the new indictment is expected to be clarified during the course of the statements.
Distinct roles and contradictions in the case file
The four defendants, who are already in remand detention in prison, are said to have distinct roles in the case file, according to evidence from prosecuting authorities. A 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman are accused as the direct perpetrators who carried out the attack, using a neighbouring apartment as a "base" and hideout.
However, contradictions have emerged around the other two defendants concerning the management of that apartment. The 24-year-old owner of the apartment is said, during his previous statement, to have named the 25-year-old as the person to whom he handed over the keys to the premises. The 25-year-old, for his part, denies any involvement in the case, characterising the 24-year-old's claims as "false".
The precise content of the changes to the indictment and the new legal assessments are expected to become fully clear during the conduct of all four supplementary statements before the investigating judge.
Source: Dikastiko.gr