Thessaloniki: 59-year-old arsonist remanded in custody, claims work stress

A 59-year-old man faces imprisonment after being accused of deliberately starting multiple fires in the Sindos area of Thessaloniki. A judge and prosecutor agreed to his pre-trial detention.

The suspect appeared before an investigating judge on August 14 to give his statement. He has been charged with repeated intentional arson. Video footage appears to show him calmly exiting his car, entering a rural area, and starting a fire before leaving the scene.

According to reports, the man expressed remorse and claimed he was under pressure from his job, stating he set fires to cope with work stress. He is alleged to have started six fires in dry grass, reeds, and agricultural fields across Sindos and Kalochori, extending to Dendropotamos.

One fire reportedly ignited near a railway line. The fires caused significant disruption, with authorities temporarily closing the Egnatia Odos highway due to smoke. In another instance, a helicopter was deployed to help extinguish a blaze. The fires occurred in areas within the Delta municipality.

“

to relieve stress from work