THE Afghan migrant accused of killing a Brit aid worker could spend the next 18 months in a hellish prison with terrorists, rapists and some of Greece’s most hardened criminals.
Professional boxer , 26, is expected to be placed in pre-trial detention in maximum security Korydallos on the outskirts of Athens.
Sharif Ahmadzai, 26, has been charged with the murder of British woman Elisabeth Jane Ross Credit: FlashGR/X/@JohnKemmos
Elisabeth Ross was found stuffed in a suitcase in Athens in July Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Ahmadzai could spend up to 18 months in a hellish prison full of Greece’s most hardened criminals Credit: AFP
Korydallos Prison is a notorious maximum security prison on the outskirts of Athens Credit: Getty
Elisabeth Ross, 38, was in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital on July 18.
Ahmadzai has been charged with homicide with intent, robbery and illegal gun possession and refused to enter a plea during a court hearing on Thursday.
Known to inmates as Colditz after the prisoner of war camp, Korydallos is one of the worst jails in Europe.
Vastly overcrowded, the rat-infested jail has often been singled out by groups.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment described it as an “affront to human dignity”.
They cited horror overcrowding, prisoner violence, severe understaffing, and inadequate healthcare.
As many as eight men can be detained in prison cells that are both dark and dank.
Diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis and scabies are said to be rampant – with patients suffering from cancer and kidney problems.
Ahmadzai is expected to be placed in pre-trial detention for up to 18 months Credit: FlashGR/X/@JohnKemmos
Ahmadzai and his American wife Alaina Hall, who became suspicious of her husband Credit: Unknown
Many are also HIV positive, part of an epidemic sweeping the Greek prison population, Greek reports say.
A enforcer told The Sun that Ahmadzai could be targeted due to high-profile nature of the case.
Most convicted felons in Korydallos are foreign – with the vast majority imprisoned for drug trafficking.
There have been several high-risk attempts to flee the prison.
One spectacular escape saw a helicopter swoop in to free the brother of Greece’s most wanted robber, who had escaped from behind bars.
The chopper’s pilot later told the aircraft had been hijacked.
Under Greek law the Afghan can be held in pre-trial detention for up to 18 months.
After two months, he can file his first appeal to be freed pending trial – on condition he wears an ankle bracelet, check in with police and hands over travel documents.
Elisabeth’s devasted family paid tribute – describing her as ‘kind, principled and selfless’ Credit: Facebook/@Joanne Noble
Elisabeth arrived in Greece on June 26 before she vanished on July 15 Credit: Facebook/@Joanne Noble
If a hearing does not take place within 18 months, a suspect is automatically freed pending trial.
Court insiders told The Sun that a delay is not likely as UK security services – including the National Agency – had been involved in the probe.
A court official told us: “As there has been so much international attention, the feeling is the trial will not been pushed into the long grass.
“Greek authorities are acutely aware they are being watched. Justice must be served.”
Authorities are awaiting toxicological tests and analysis of vital organ tissue that will determine Elisabeth’s exact cause of death.
Police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou told The Sun earlier this week that the tests would be fast-tracked.
Lack of staff and laboratory space usually meant that such analysis took several months in Greece.
But Dimoglidou said the case was a top priority for authorities.
Ahmadzai claimed an old man told him to abandon Elisabeth’s body Credit: Getty
Ahmadzai’s US-born wife Alaina Hall allegedly reported her husband to cops after she became suspicious he was involved in Elisabeth’s death.
She told cops that she had met Elisabeth through volunteer work in Athens and had last seen her on July 12, after a Bible study meeting, according to Greek news outlet Protothema.
Days later, she heard reports of a body being found stuffed in a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens.
Later that night, Alaina recalled waking up with a “terrible” feeling.
In the morning she then texted Elisabeth and got two replies which made her suspicious.
Alaina said: “These messages were not in Lisa’s style, both in terms of her level of English and the use of that she never used.”
When she tried calling Elisabeth she didn’t get a reply.
Alaina also told police she had grown suspicious of her husband after she woke to find him missing on the evening of July 15.
Korydallos is rampant with deadly diseases Credit: AFP
Inmates include terrorists, murderers and rapists Credit: Getty
When she checked his shared location, she saw he was in Elisabeth’s flat.
Having later confronted him, he told her he had been watching a match but had gone to Elisabeth’s apartment to use the toilet.
She told police: “I don’t know what to tell you, but all of the above made me feel strange.
“Especially combining the dates, the messages and my husband’s behaviour, I have various thoughts that make me feel uncomfortable.”
Investigating officers also found CCTV footage which allegedly shows him leaving Elizabeth’s apartment with a suitcase and dropping it where her remains were discovered on July 16.
Ahmadzai has told cops he did not kill Elisabeth, saying he found her dead before panicking.
In his testimony, he reportedly said: “I never did harm to anyone. I want you to understand me and believe me. I was just in a panic.”
He is said to have claimed he had visited the house where she was staying and found her lying on the bathroom floor.
Ahmadzai claimed he panicked and fled and then encountered an elderly man near a bus stop and asked what he should do after finding a dead body.
He said he returned to the apartment the following day and placed Elisabeth’s body in a black suitcase, before placing it in the boot of the red he drove.
“I found the old man I told you about who gave me the advice. He told me to leave the suitcase with him, and he would take care of it,” he reportedly said.
He admitted to the cops he had taken Elisabeth’s phone and bank cards.
Elisabeth’s devasted family paid tribute on Thursday – describing her as “kind, principled and selfless”.
They said: “Her integrity was absolute, and she dedicated her life to helping others in need. We are in deep pain, and we ask for time and privacy as we come to terms with our loss.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
