Thessaloniki Arson Attacks: Politician's Mother Dies as Police Hunt Anarchist Suspects

Authorities in Thessaloniki are intensely investigating three coordinated arson attacks that targeted the homes of New Democracy politicians, with the Anti-Terrorism Unit now leading the probe. The pre-dawn assaults, which occurred Tuesday night, employed improvised explosive devices and have tragically resulted in the death of Aphrodite Nestor, the mother of a New Democracy politician, and injuries to another individual.

A witness reported seeing three individuals fleeing the scene on foot shortly after the explosions, noting they wore hooded jackets. This testimony suggests a planned escape, possibly involving a nearby motorcycle left for a quick getaway. The investigation is prioritizing the collection of all available video footage from the area, and authorities are seeking court orders for communication intercepts and mobile phone data analysis to track down the perpetrators.

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We are devastated and mourn the tragic loss, so unjustly, with the murder of a fellow human being, an innocent woman. Our thoughts are with Ms. Nestor, who is injured. I hope her health is restored very quickly.

Security forces are reportedly focusing on a group of five to six active anarchist individuals who are known to the police. Some of these individuals have prior arrests for unrelated offenses, while others have been identified as ringleaders in past protest incidents. Investigators are examining whether these known figures, their associates, or recently recruited younger individuals were involved.

The possibility that the arson attacks are linked to escalating tensions at the refugee accommodations on Alexandras Avenue is also being considered, with all investigative avenues remaining open. The Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrisochoidis, expressed deep sorrow over the "tragic loss" and the "murder" of an innocent woman, extending condolences to the injured politician. He assured the public that services are working diligently and comprehensively to investigate, identify, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Let's let the services do their job. The services are working very hard right now, working with consistency, with penetration, extending control where necessary, extending investigations into all fields where they perceive the perpetrators may be, so that at some point there will be investigation, clarification, and handover of the accused to justice.