Under strict security measures, the three suspects arrested for the deadly arson attack on the apartment building where the family of Afroditi Nestora resides were brought before the Thessaloniki public prosecutor. They face serious criminal charges for a range of felony offenses, including participation in a terrorist organization, murder with possible intent — both completed and attempted — explosion, arson, and violations of weapons and explosives legislation. The defendants requested and were granted a postponement to enter their pleas the following Tuesday, and will remain in custody until then.
Read also: Thessaloniki: 29-year-old’s phone under scrutiny in the murder of Vagia Nestora — security cameras identified the suspects (Video)
The alleged direct perpetrators of the attack are a 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both linked to the anti-authoritarian movement and already known to law enforcement authorities. A 24-year-old man is also charged as the alleged administrator and owner of an apartment on Papadiamantis Street, which according to the Counter-Terrorism Unit served as the operational base for the attackers. The 24-year-old told MEGA television that he was deeply saddened by the incident, claiming his involvement was limited to lending the property — which belongs to his family and is under a court seizure order — and that he does not even know his two co-defendants. He stated that he had given the keys to friends who have not been charged, without knowing their intentions, and that he intends to tell the full truth to the investigating magistrate.
Thessaloniki: When the countdown to the suspects’ arrest began
The countdown to the arrest of the alleged perpetrators began when security cameras started telling their story. Preliminary investigation findings reveal that the couple had methodically planned their movements — yet two critical mistakes proved to be their undoing. On the afternoon of the previous day, they arrived at the safe house on Papadiamantis Street using separate taxis, taking different routes and being dropped off at distant locations. While surveilling the area around the Nestora family home, they even used an umbrella to conceal their features. What they failed to account for, however, was a specific camera that captured their faces clearly. The umbrella was later found near the scene and is currently being examined at forensic laboratories.
According to authorities, the two suspects remained at the hideout for the previous 24 hours and returned there immediately after the arson attack to change their clothing before disappearing. A few hours later, the 29-year-old showed up for his shift at a Thessaloniki pastry shop as if nothing had happened, while the 26-year-old fled to Paleochora in Chania, Crete, where she was arrested at the home of an acquaintance.
Suspects’ mobile phones put under the microscope
Authorities are currently conducting an exhaustive examination of the two suspects’ mobile phones, searching for evidence of their contacts and any pre-written claim of responsibility. During the police raid, the 29-year-old attempted to destroy evidence by throwing his phone off the balcony — but the protective case kept the device intact. Despite his denial of the charges and of placing the incendiary device, Counter-Terrorism Unit officers continue their thorough investigation. It is also believed that the three arson attacks carried out in Thessaloniki on the same day within just 20 minutes were the work of two separate groups, with investigations to identify additional individuals involved currently in full swing.
