Afghan Boxer Accused in Scottish Aid Worker's Death Returns to Athens Court
Sharif Ahmadzai faces homicide and theft allegations after Elisabeth-Jane Ross's body was found in Kypseli.
Sarah Connor
A man accused of killing Scottish aid worker Elisabeth-Jane Ross is expected back in an Athens court today.
A homeless man discovered Ms Ross in the Kypseli area, triggering an immediate investigation.
Sharif Ahmadzai, the accused, appeared in an Athens court on Wednesday and faces another hearing on Thursday at Evelpidon Street.
Police confirmed Ahmadzai admitted moving the body but denied homicide allegations; he faces a charge of homicide with intent.
The Hellenic Police identified Ms Ross through fingerprints; officials await tissue analysis results to determine the cause of death.
Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.
Ahmadzai also stands accused of stealing over €10,000 from the victim's bank accounts using her bank cards, police stated.
Investigators reviewed surveillance camera footage from the vicinity, leading to the suspect's detention for questioning.
CCTV footage shows Ahmadzai arriving at Ms Ross's flat on July 16 and later carrying a suitcase away from a derelict site.
Police found a replica Glock-style pistol and a military-style knife at Ahmadzai's home, resulting in his initial detention on illegal weapons possession charges.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides consular support, stating: "Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities."
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: "We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland."
We are aware of the death of a Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.
Ahmadzai, who entered Greece in 2016 and received international protection status in 2018, was assigned a court-appointed lawyer during a private hearing.
He converted to Christianity, married Alaina Hall in 2023, and together they operated a ministry assisting refugees in Athens.
The Red Cross has since deleted a film about Afghan migrant Sharif Ahmadzai, now accused in the murder of Elisabeth-Jane Ross.