Terrorism trial adjourned amid chaos
The trial of suspected members of the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire urban guerrilla group was adjourned when chaos broke out in a courtroom in Korydallos Prison on Monday after guards feared that the alleged terrorists were using a break in proceedings to escape from custody.
The trial, which began last week, was adjourned after the nine suspects (another four are being tried in absentia) said they did not want their lawyers to represent them any more. This means that new legal representatives will have to be appointed.
However, proceedings began to get out of control when the judge ordered a woman to be removed from the public gallery because she was shouting. When police officers moved in, they were surrounded by other people attending the trial and a scuffle broke out.
Witnesses then heard loud banging from the room where the suspects were being held and a guard informed the court that the nine were attempting to break out. Officers found that six of the suspects had managed to get out of the room and were running toward the prison?s exercise yard.
Dozens of policemen were dispatched to the other side of the yard in order to round up the suspects and lead them back to the holding area.
The suspects have been charged in connection to a string of bloodless bomb attacks on public buildings and the homes of politicians. Their trial is expected to resume on Tuesday.
