Arrests 16 years after Marfin attack
Two 42-year-old men have been arrested in connection with the deadly attack on a bank branch in central Athens in 2010. Prosecutors are still searching for a woman.
Arrests 16 years after Marfin attack
Two individuals suspected of involvement in an arson attack on a bank branch in central Athens, which resulted in the deaths of three people in May 2010, are now in police custody. The arrests were made on Friday morning by officers from the Organised Crime Directorate.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Stadion and Aiolou streets during a mass protest against the first memorandum. A group of masked individuals attacked the building, smashed windows and threw Molotov cocktails and flammable liquid. Three employees—a pregnant 32-year-old woman, a 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man—were trapped in the flames and died.
The two arrested men, both aged 42, were found in different areas of Attica. One was located in Ano Liosia, whilst the second was in short-term rental accommodation in Patissia. According to reports, the two men moved amongst protesters and threw incendiary devices at the building. They are linked to the anti-authoritarian movement and had previously come to the attention of authorities.
The case file was enriched recently following an anonymous electronic message that named specific individuals as responsible for the attack. These individuals were known to prosecutors, but had not been included in the initial list of suspects. Using modern investigative methods, the investigation was reopened and warrants were issued.
The two accused face the most serious charge of intentional manslaughter by collective act. Other offences from the original case file are believed to have expired under the statute of limitations. They requested an adjournment to make a statement before an investigating magistrate on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, authorities are searching for a 46-year-old woman who is believed to have played a secondary role in the case and currently resides in Britain. An international arrest warrant is expected to be issued for her.
Maria Karagianni, who survived the attack, stated that the perpetrators were fully aware of the presence of staff in the building. The lawyer for the survivors, Thrasyvoulos Kontaxis, spoke of "justice after years", whilst Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasised that democracy prevails through justice.
Source: ERT News
Source: ERT