Two defendants accused in connection with the 2010 arson attack on a Marfin bank branch in Athens have returned to prison after completing supplementary depositions before an investigating judge. The fire killed three bank employees, including a pregnant woman.
The 46-year-old woman and the 42-year-old man appeared separately before the third regular investigating judge under tight security. They face supplementary criminal charges involving 24 counts of attempted murder with intent concerning employees inside the bank, as well as charges related to the three deaths, which are classified as homicides committed in the context of a terrorist act.
Both suspects submitted written statements reiterating that they had no involvement in the violence that led to the deadly fire.
The 46-year-old submitted a 59-page memorandum denying any connection to the case. She has maintained since the beginning of the proceedings that, although she took part in the demonstration, she was not involved in the incidents that resulted in the deaths. She has also said she was in London when she learned that an arrest warrant had been issued against her.
NEWSLETTER TABLE TALK
Never miss a story.
Subscribe now.
The most important news & topics every week in your inbox.
The 42-year-old likewise submitted a written statement denying involvement in the incidents.
According to sources familiar with the case file, the supplementary investigation has not introduced any new evidence beyond the material the defendants had already been informed of following their arrests. After their depositions, both were returned to pretrial detention with the agreement of the investigating judge and prosecutor.
Third defendant to testify Friday
The round of supplementary depositions is expected to conclude on Friday, when the third defendant will be brought from prison to the former Evelpidon judicial complex in Athens to appear before the investigating judge.
Once the judge completes the remaining procedural steps, the investigation is expected to be formally closed. The case file will then be forwarded to the judicial council, whose members will decide whether the three defendants should stand trial.
During the proceedings, supporters gathered outside the courthouse and chanted slogans in solidarity with the defendants.