Greece: Deadly arson attacks on New Democracy officials prompt PM to vow eradication of terrorism

A series of coordinated arson attacks in Thessaloniki, Greece, has resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to another, prompting a strong condemnation from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The attacks, which involved Molotov cocktails and explosive devices, targeted officials associated with the ruling New Democracy party.

The most recent incident occurred early on July 1st, with three separate attacks reported within a 17-minute span. Vagia Nestora, the mother of parliamentary candidate Afroditi Nestora, was severely burned when an explosive device detonated and ignited a fire at her daughter's apartment building. She was hospitalized with multiple organ failure and later died.

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to thoroughly eradicate terrorism

Afroditi Nestora also sustained burns and is receiving medical treatment. The other two attacks targeted the residences of Zisis Ioakeimovits, the head of the New Democracy's Thessaloniki committee, and former party member Savvas Anastasiadis. No injuries were reported in these incidents.

Greek authorities believe the same group, possibly operating on motorcycles, carried out all three attacks. The counter-terrorism unit has taken over the investigation, and no group has yet claimed responsibility. Prime Minister Mitsotakis denounced the violence as brutal and inhumane, calling for national unity to combat terrorism. The attacks highlight a concerning escalation of political violence in Greece.

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the brutal and inhumane nature of political violence