Fatal Arson Attack in Thessaloniki
Vagia Nestora, the 72-year-old mother of Afroditi Nestora, a politician with Greece's governing New Democracy party, has died from injuries sustained during an arson attack. The incident was one of several suspected arsons targeting party officials in Thessaloniki. Ms. Nestora suffered severe burns and multi-organ failure, according to hospital officials in Thessaloniki.
Details of the Attack
The fatal injuries occurred during an explosion and subsequent fire at the apartment building where her daughter resides. This was one of three distinct attacks involving petrol bombs and other improvised devices that took place within minutes of each other in Thessaloniki during the early hours of Wednesday.
Vagia Nestora was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with burns covering approximately 80% of her body. Despite intensive care, she later passed away. Her daughter, Afroditi Nestora, a party candidate, also sustained burns and smoke inhalation and remains hospitalized. Her father, who has pre-existing health conditions, and two other residents were also hospitalized due to breathing difficulties.
Prime Minister Condemns Violence
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the death of Vagia Nestora, characterizing it as an exposure of the "murderous and inhumane nature" of political violence. He called for a unified response to "banish terrorism to... the margins." Earlier, the Prime Minister had stated that those perpetrating such attacks under the guise of social struggle were "nothing more than criminals, they will be treated as such."
Police Investigation and Other Incidents
Police reported that improvised incendiary devices were placed outside the apartment building, leading to the explosion and fire. The blast destroyed two cars, damaged several motorcycles, and caused significant structural damage to the building.
The two other attacks targeted the residences of Zisis Ioakeimovits, chairman of New Democracy's Thessaloniki administrative committee, and former New Democracy MP Savvas Anastasiadis. No injuries were reported in these additional incidents. Reports indicate that the three attacks occurred between 04:18 and 04:35 on Wednesday.
Investigators believe the same individuals carried out all three attacks, potentially traveling by motorcycle and deploying the devices rapidly. Greece's Counter-Terrorism Service has assumed control of the investigation. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility, and no arrests have been made.
Opposition Leaders Speak Out
Opposition leader Nikos Androulakis stated that those responsible for Vagia Nestora's death "must be arrested, brought to justice and punished," emphasizing that "In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, there can be no tolerance for criminal acts." Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also denounced the attack, asserting that "terrorism has no place in a democracy."
Source: Original Article
