Seven Hydra murder suspects remanded

Seven Georgian nationals who have been charged in connection with the brutal killing of a 67-year-old restaurant owner on the Saronic island of Hydra last weekend were in custody on Friday after appearing before an investigating magistrate.

Four faced the magistrate on Friday and three on Thursday, according to sources who said one of the seven refused to testify until all evidence against him is presented.

Charged with manslaughter, theft and running a criminal organization, the suspects are said to have denied any involvement in the incident even though authorities say they have physical evidence linking them to the crime scene.

According to police, the suspects broke into the restaurant owner’s home on Hydra on Sunday, tied him up and tortured him before making off with jewelry and cash.

The 67-year-old was suffocated and died of a heart attack, according to a coroner who said the victim’s body was covered with bruises.