Greece: Arson attacks target New Democracy members in Thessaloniki

The Anti-Terrorism Unit is actively investigating a series of arson attacks in Thessaloniki, which appear to have targeted members of the New Democracy party. Authorities are meticulously examining all available evidence in their pursuit of those responsible for these coordinated actions.

“

Strong evidence is needed to accuse these individuals, especially at a time when other elements, such as genetic material or fingerprints, cannot be found.

Police have gathered video footage from security cameras in areas near the attack sites. Their goal is to identify images of the perpetrators and expand their search across a wider part of the city. An initial lead involving a suspicious small-displacement motorcycle with two occupants, spotted near the first incidents, no longer appears connected to the attacks. This development has shifted the investigation's direction, prompting authorities to explore different scenarios.

The exact number of individuals involved remains unclear, with new data expected from audiovisual material currently being processed by EL.AS (Hellenic Police) laboratories. According to a Mega TV report, police are in a race against time to gather evidence, a task made difficult by the scarcity of direct proof and the reliance on circumstantial indications, as stated by Konstantia Dimoglidou, press representative for EL.AS.

“

We hope to find something laboratory-based.

Dimoglidou emphasized to Mega TV that "strong evidence is needed to accuse these individuals," especially since other elements, such as genetic material or fingerprints, have not been found. She added that EL.AS officers are working against time, searching the remnants of the incendiary devices for even the slightest trace that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the "cowardly murder" of Vagia Nestora. "We hope to find something laboratory-based," Dimoglidou stated, adding that the perpetrators will be prosecuted for intentional homicide. She reiterated that "it is not easy to arrest someone based solely on footage" and that they are "waiting for evidence." The investigation has reportedly narrowed down to a close circle of about 10 people.

“

It is not easy to arrest someone based solely on footage.

The next phase of the investigation includes the potential lifting of phone privacy. Authorities will analyze data from mobile phone antennas to detect suspicious activity potentially linked to the incidents. It is estimated that one of the perpetrators or a possible recruiter is already known to the authorities from previous cases. The investigation is focusing on a group of approximately 30 individuals aged 25 to 30 who may be involved or have knowledge of the attacks. SKAI TV reported that the anti-terrorism unit requested the lifting of privacy for specific individuals for the day of the attack and the preceding days. However, initial results from forensic examinations of the remnants of the incendiary devices have yielded no positive findings.

“

We are waiting for evidence.