Arson attacks in Thessaloniki: Counter-terrorism service analyses camera footage and evidence
The Counter-terrorism Service is conducting investigations into three arson attacks on homes of New Democracy officials, with one fatality. Arrests are expected soon.
Counter-terrorism: "The investigation has progressed considerably and quietly"
Investigations are proceeding at an intensive pace to identify the perpetrators of three arson attacks carried out on homes of New Democracy officials in Thessaloniki, resulting in the death of Vagia Nestor, mother of Aphrodite Nestor. According to Naftemporiki, the Counter-terrorism Service has taken over the case and is examining material from security cameras and mobile telephone data.
"The Counter-terrorism Service investigation has progressed considerably and quietly," Police Spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglídou stated on ANT1 channel, assessing that all three attacks will be solved within a very short timeframe.
Organised plan in 17 minutes
The three explosions occurred within approximately 17 minutes, leading authorities to conclude that this was an organised plan with specific operational preparation. According to ERT, investigators have already collected material from dozens of security cameras along the route estimated to have been followed by the perpetrators after the attacks.
From investigations conducted so far, it emerges that at least three individuals participated in the attacks, two of whom were moving on a two-wheeler and placed the incendiary devices at the target locations. It cannot be ruled out that there may have been a support team keeping watch.
"We have an image of at least three individuals. However, it is far too early to remain with just those three individuals," Ms Dimoglídou stressed, confirming that the action of three individuals is being examined.
Same mechanism in all three attacks
The Police Spokesperson noted that the same method of operation was established in all three cases, with the same type of incendiary device. This is a mechanism of particularly low power, consisting of a lighter and a plastic bottle with flammable liquid. Authorities are examining the remnants of the mechanisms in order to establish any connection with previous attacks.
Regarding motive, Ms Dimoglídou noted that nothing specific appears to have preceded this. The homes were selected because they did not have security, so the perpetrators would not be easily noticed.
Lifting of confidentiality and witness statements
To facilitate the investigations, a procedure is expected to be initiated immediately to lift communications confidentiality, so that police officers can proceed with sweeps of mobile telephone antennas. Meanwhile, the Counter-terrorism Service is taking statements from eyewitnesses and residents, whilst searching for fingerprints, genetic material and other evidence from the attack scenes.
According to information from thestival.gr, the police authorities estimate that the perpetrators may originate from the anti-establishment milieu and operate in groups around Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. According to the same information, it is not estimated that there will be a claim of responsibility, as the death of Vagia Nestor significantly changes the severity of the case. Ms Dimoglídou, commenting on this information, stated that "it is far too early to say where the perpetrators come from" and that "in the coming hours we will have more details".
Gathering of support outside Hippocrates Hospital
Officials, members and friends of New Democracy and ONNEP held a gathering in the afternoon outside the General Hospital of Thessaloniki Hippocrates Hospital, in a sign of support for the victims of the attacks.
"The day after the tragic loss of Vagia Nestor, following yesterday's murderous attack on the homes of our three officials in Thessaloniki, finds all of us in New Democracy with feelings of deep pain and unwavering determination," states the New Democracy Press Office in its announcement. "The large family of our political party is in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nestor family," it adds. The announcement concludes with the phrase: "We are not afraid of you".
Source: Naftemporiki