Afghan Boxer Faces Court Over Death of British Aid Worker in Athens

Ross, a psychotherapist and volunteer who arrived in Greece in late June, had been missing since July 15. Her remains were found three days later wrapped in fabric within a green suitcase. While decomposition hampered the initial post-mortem examination, officials have not ruled out asphyxiation as the cause of death.

The suspect, who had been granted asylum in Greece, denies murdering the woman. He claims he discovered Ross dead in an apartment bathroom and panicked, deciding to conceal the body. However, police reports indicate the suspect used the victim’s bank card to withdraw funds and allegedly sent messages from her phone to create the impression she was still alive. Investigators also recovered a knife and a replica pistol from his residence.

The victim had been staying in a central Athens apartment managed by a non-governmental organization, a property to which the suspect and his wife held keys. Beyond the manslaughter accusation, the suspect faces charges for illegal gun possession. Prosecutors are set to hear his response to the allegations at 0700 GMT.