Three suspects charged in the murder of a baby found frozen in a suitcase in Kypseli, Athens, have been granted a postponement until Tuesday morning.
The 43-year-old man and his 38-year-old female partner, who DNA testing confirmed are the infant's biological parents, will present their defense statements before an investigating magistrate.
A 26-year-old Afghan national who lived in the same apartment on Thasou Street will also testify on Tuesday.
Forensic findings and defense strategy
The legal defense for the parents will focus on challenging the forensic report into the child's death. According to the post-mortem examination, the baby suffered at least 18 knife wounds, of which three to five were inflicted while the infant was still alive and caused its death.
According to reports, the two parents plan to maintain that the infant died of natural causes and will deny any criminal involvement. The defense is expected to appoint a technical expert to examine the medical evidence and pre-mortem injuries to contest the forensic findings.
Weapon and sexual offense charges
In addition to murder, the 43-year-old man and the 38-year-old woman face charges of weapon carrying, weapon use, joint illegal possession of ammunition, and continuous as well as single counts of false testimony.
The 26-year-old man is accused of sexual acts with a minor who had not completed and after completing 12 years of age. He reportedly had a relationship with the 38-year-old woman's pregnant underage daughter. He also faces charges of false testimony and illegal possession of ammunition.
Pre-trial custody and next steps
All three defendants have already been remanded in custody on separate charges relating to drug trafficking and failing to report the discovery of a dead body.
The court proceedings on Tuesday morning are expected to mark a key milestone in the investigation as judicial authorities evaluate the evidence surrounding the child's death in the neighborhood of central Athens.
