After marathon interrogation sessions, two men arrested in connection with the 2010 Marfin Bank arson attack in Athens have been ordered held in pre-trial detention. Both are 42 years old; one is the son of a well-known Greek businessman with significant financial influence.
Charged with Premeditated Mass Murder
The suspects face charges of premeditated homicide in a mass casualty incident—the fatal fire at the Marfin Bank branch on Stadiou Street that claimed the lives of three employees during a May Day protest in 2010. During their hearings, both denied throwing incendiary devices or participating in the attack.
Alleged Presence at the Scene
According to Greek police, evidence—including surveillance footage and witness statements—places both men at the scene before the fire broke out. Investigators allege that one of the two broke the bank’s glass façade prior to the blaze. He reportedly admitted attending the May 5, 2010 demonstration but claimed he left before violence erupted. The second suspect stated he was present at the protest—but at a different location.
Defense Challenges Evidence Credibility
Their lawyers argue the case rests on weak, unverified, and potentially fabricated evidence. At a press conference held yesterday at a café in Exarchia, attorneys Thanasis Kampagiannis and Anny Paparousou criticized the investigation, pointing to an anonymous email cited as central to the prosecution’s case—one never verified by Hellenic Police forensic labs. They also noted that a report from Greece’s National Forensic Authority (DEE) states there is no conclusive identification linking either suspect to the attackers seen in available footage.
The attorneys read aloud excerpts from the anonymous email to underscore what they described as its suspicious, self-incriminating tone: “I’ve thought long and hard, Mr. Prosecutor, before sending you this letter… For 16 years I’ve carried a secret I can’t live with…”
Third Suspect to Be Extradited from UK
A third suspect—a 46-year-old woman arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport while attempting to fly to Greece—has agreed to extradition to Greece under an international arrest warrant. Her transfer to the Greek examining magistrate overseeing the Marfin case is expected imminently.
Protesters Gather Outside Courts
Since early morning, members of Greece’s anti-authoritarian movement have gathered outside the courts on Evelpidos Street in solidarity with the two detained men. Demonstrators remain assembled there as proceedings continue.