Two suspected anarchists were yesterday remanded in custody by a court in Athens on suspicion of attempting to murder the head of Greece’s largest umbrella union, as it emerged that one of the men was a civil servant.

Nikos Koundardas, 29, and Stelios Malindretos, 41, deny the attempted manslaughter of the head of the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE), Christos Polyzogopoulos, on January 31. Malindretos claims he was forced to hit the victim after being threatened at gunpoint by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The unionist and a colleague were attacked and severely beaten by a group of some 15 suspected anarchists. Koundardas and Malindretos were also charged with theft and causing damage.

After a question raised by three PASOK MPs, the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA) confirmed yesterday that Koundardas was hired by the public body “due to exceptional circumstances” last August. ELGA said it began the process to fire Koundardas yesterday.