Afghan National Charged in Killing of Scottish Aid Worker in Greece

A 26 year old Afghan boxer has been remanded in custody in Athens after being charged with the killing of Elisabeth Ross, a 38 year old Scottish aid worker. Ross, a certified psychotherapist and volunteer with a refugee support group, was found dead in a suitcase on July 18 in a derelict building in the Kypseli area of the Greek capital.

The suspect, Sharif Ahmadzai, faces charges including homicide with intent, robbery, and illegal weapons possession. He is accused of stealing more than 10,000 euros from the victim's bank accounts and sending messages from her phone to friends and family. Reports from Greek newspapers indicate that Ahmadzai may have impersonated a jihadist in texts to Ross's friends, claiming the killing was due to her religion. His wife, a US citizen, reportedly informed police she suspected his involvement after tracking his phone to where Ross was staying.

During his court appearance, Ahmadzai did not respond to the charges and requested an English translator. While he denies the murder charge, he admitted to moving the body. He claimed he found Ross dead in a bathroom and panicked, placing her in a suitcase to avoid being blamed. A post mortem examination could not determine the exact cause of death due to decomposition, though asphyxiation was not ruled out.

Ross had arrived in Greece on June 26 and was identified through fingerprints with the help of Interpol and American authorities. She is remembered by her church in Edinburgh for her passion for helping the less fortunate. Ahmadzai will remain in jail pending a trial that could take up to 18 months.