Marfin defendants denounce trial upgrade and claim political persecution
Two of the three Marfin suspects, Eleni and Thymios, told E.F.Syn that they were abruptly detained and now face individual terrorism charges and attempted homicide without new evidence.
Eleni and Thymios, two of the three men accused in the Marfin bank incident, appeared on the programme E.F.Syn to describe their abrupt arrest and continuous pre-trial detention. They said the prosecution has now added individual terrorism and attempted homicide charges concerning 24 bank workers, despite the lack of fresh evidence beyond an old anonymous email. The defendants contend that the charge upgrade is designed to move the case from a Mixed Jury Court to a bench of professional judges, thereby eliminating juror participation.
They allege the government is exploiting the case for political gain ahead of upcoming elections, citing past instances where random individuals were targeted in anti-authority protests. Their statements also reference alleged interference by Interpol and criticize the Ministry of Public Order for orchestrating a media-driven “tele-court.” Defense lawyers, including Anny Paparrousou and Giannis Rachiotis, echoed these concerns, calling the procedural changes legally dubious.
Why it matters
The case highlights how legal proceedings can be shaped by political agendas and affect defendants' rights.
In this story
