Thessaloniki: Authorities 'close to arrests' for arson attacks that killed politician's mother

Authorities in Thessaloniki are close to apprehending suspects involved in three coordinated arson attacks targeting the homes of New Democracy party politicians. The pre-dawn attacks, which occurred within a 17-minute span on Tuesday night, have sent shockwaves through the city. Tragically, one attack resulted in the death of the mother of a New Democracy candidate. The first incident targeted the apartment building of candidate Aphrodite Nestora. According to reports, after an initial explosion from improvised devices, a second explosion occurred near the building's entrance, engulfing a parked car and severely burning Nestora's 72-year-old mother, who suffered burns on 80% of her body. Nestora and her parents were evacuated but hospitalized for burns and respiratory issues. The mother succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Within minutes, two more attacks occurred: one at the residence of Zisis Ioakeimovits, head of the New Democracy committee in Thessaloniki, and another in Pylaia, targeting the home of former MP Savvas Anastasiadis. While Ioakeimovits' building sustained only material damage, including burnt shutters, Anastasiadis's entrance also suffered damage. Authorities are examining security footage and witness testimonies to connect the incidents and identify the perpetrators. Ioakeimovits stated that the attacks were not just against his party but against democracy itself, emphasizing that differences should be resolved through dialogue, not violence. He noted that he and Anastasiadis had experienced vandalism with paint being thrown at their homes in 2023.

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The authorities are close to arresting the perpetrators-murderers of Vagia Nestora.