Three suspects accused of the arson attack and murder of Vagia Nestor in Thessaloniki were brought before the city’s prosecutor at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Security measures were exceptionally strict: the suspects — a 26-year-old woman, a 29-year-old man, and a 24-year-old man — were escorted into the Thessaloniki Courthouse through its rear entrance.
Formal Charges and Next Steps
The trio appeared before the prosecutor to face formal indictment on serious charges, including intentional homicide under the aggravating circumstance of committing a terrorist act. The case file was compiled by Greece’s Anti-Terrorist Unit. Following the indictment, they are expected to appear before the Third Regular Investigating Judge of Thessaloniki, who is likely to grant them time to prepare their statements.
Heavy Police Presence Amid Demonstrations
Meanwhile, supporters from anti-establishment groups gathered outside the courthouse’s main entrance. Their presence prompted a significant police deployment aimed at preventing any escalation or unrest.
Evidence and Arrests
According to authorities, the Anti-Terrorist Unit identified the suspects after analyzing surveillance footage, which revealed the perpetrators’ escape route and indicated prior surveillance of the home of Aphrodite Nestor — Vagia’s mother. DNA evidence reportedly recovered from the building’s ground-floor entrance also contributed to the breakthrough.
The 29- and 24-year-old men were arrested in Thessaloniki. The younger suspect allegedly provided his apartment as a safe house; it is located just 50 meters from the Nestor family residence. The 26-year-old woman, charged as an accomplice, was tracked down and arrested in Chania several days after the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue searching for a fourth person believed to have taken part in the attack. Separately, investigators are examining two other arson incidents — one targeting the home of former New Democracy MP Savvas Anastasiadis and another targeting the residence of ND official Zisis Ioakeimovits. Officials assess these attacks were carried out by a different group.
All three suspects deny the charges against them. They face a criminal indictment for offenses including use of explosives, arson, and destruction of foreign property.