Marfin arson case: new suspects appear in court and UK extradition

Two men, both aged 42, who were arrested for the 2010 arson that devastated the Marfin bank branch in Athens, appeared today before a magistrate to plead not guilty to homicide by intent. The attack on 5 May 2010 killed three employees – Angelikí Papathanaspoulou (pregnant), Paraskeví Zoulia and Epameínondas Tskálas.

At the same time, a 46‑year‑old Greek woman, arrested at London’s Gatwick airport after an Interpol red notice was issued by Greek authorities, was presented to the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. She is expected to be extradited to Greece to face the same charge of participation in the fire.

Greek police say the renewed investigations were triggered by re‑examination of photographic material and an anonymous email that led to new forensic analysis. Defence lawyers argue the evidence is thin, noting that the suspects have not been positively identified by facial features but rather by objects linked to the crime. Authorities stress that the case remains open and that additional participants may still be identified.