Terror suspect Giorgos Petrakakos and alleged accomplices appear before magistrate
Suspected terrorist Giorgos Petrakakos, his partner and another two suspects facing charges as his accomplices were led before the 17th examining magistrate on Monday to answer to criminal and misdemeanour charges. The four were arrested during an counter-terrorism squad operation in Volos and Athens.
They are charged with committing acts of terror, weapons possession and robbery, as well as the lesser charges of harbouring a criminal and forgery.
Police consider Petrakakos to be a close associate of convicted terrorist Nikos Maziotis but, according to sources, he has denied all involvement in terrorist actions, though he had earlier made a statement concerning charges of robbery made against him. He claims to have made a decision to "retire" and take up farming.
His partner, with whom Petrakakos has two small children, denies involvement in any criminal actions but admits to knowing about her partner's criminal past.
According to her lawyer, there is no evidence of her involvement or knowledge of the two guns found on premises used by the couple. He also notes that having children with someone who has engaged in criminal behaviour "does not constitute a crime".
