Trial Begins for Afghan Man Accused of Killing Scottish Aid Worker in Athens
The trial of an Afghan citizen accused of murdering a Scottish aid worker and concealing her body inside a box has commenced in a court in Athens, Greece.
The body of Elizabeth-Jane Ross, 38, from Edinburgh, Scotland, was discovered on July 18th inside an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens by a homeless man. The incident sparked widespread reaction in Greek media.
Greek media have identified the suspect as Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, though Greek authorities have not yet officially confirmed his identity. He was transferred to court on Wednesday under heavy security measures.
The hearing was held behind closed doors and a defense lawyer was appointed for the accused. He is scheduled to appear again on Thursday for continued examination of the charges.
According to the Greek police, the individual was initially arrested on charges of illegal possession of a weapon, but the prosecution later added charges of murder and theft. Police stated that more than 10,000 euros were withdrawn using Ross’s bank cards after her death.
Police say the suspect has admitted to moving the body but denies any involvement in the murder. Authorities identified him after reviewing security camera footage around the abandoned building.
Greek officials also claim that after Ross’s death, the suspect used her mobile phone to send messages to her friends and family before turning it off. Reports indicate that he later purchased another phone and, by impersonation, sent messages to Ross’s friends in Athens, including her husband, and took responsibility for the murder, citing Ross’s religion as the motive.
According to Greek media, the suspect’s wife became suspicious when he failed to return home and, by tracking the phone, found the location of an apartment where Ross was staying before disappearing. Greek police have stated that the investigation into this case is ongoing.
