The two men face charges of attempted murder committed jointly, unlawful possession and use of weapons, and other offences under weapons legislation.

During questioning, they denied attempting to take the 32-year-old’s life and presented a different account of events, claiming that a fight had preceded the stabbing and that they had acted to defend themselves.

The proceedings concluded late at night after a lengthy delay caused by a defence application to have the investigating magistrate removed from the case.

According to reports of his defence statement, the 22-year-old claimed that the 32-year-old anti-fascist had attacked him first and that he had not been carrying a knife.

He reportedly told the investigating magistrate that the 32-year-old had struck him in the face with a sharp object and that a knife had fallen to the ground during the struggle. He insisted that the attack had not been premeditated.

The 18-year-old reportedly offered a similar account, claiming: ‘I was scared and tried to defend myself’.

He said he was aware of a previous confrontation between the 32-year-old and his 22-year-old co-defendant and had intervened when another fight broke out because he feared for his friend.

He reportedly claimed that he had stabbed the 32-year-old in the legs, not with the intention of killing him, but to force him away from his co-defendant.

The 32-year-old anti-fascist, however, gave a different account of the attack. He testified that the two men approached him on Konstantinoupoleos Street in Elefsina while he was walking his dogs.

According to his testimony, a verbal confrontation followed and escalated into a violent attack. He claimed that one of the men declared ‘I am a fascist’ and asserted that he was ‘in command’ of the area. He also reported hearing someone shout ‘kill him’ during the confrontation.

The 32-year-old sustained knife wounds and was taken to Tzaneio Hospital.

He said he believed the attack was linked to his longstanding anti-fascist and anti-racist activities. Judicial authorities are examining the possibility of a political or ideological motive alongside the other evidence in the case.

During police searches of the defendants’ homes, officers reportedly recovered knives, a knuckleduster, clothing bearing group insignia and printed material containing nationalist content.

The items have been added to the case file and are being assessed by the authorities alongside witness statements, forensic findings and other evidence.

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