Greek police arrested a 32-year-old man, of Palestinian origin, on Monday, September 15, after he allegedly sexually harassed three women in Aigaleo. The victims include a 14-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and a 58-year-old woman.

The assaults in Aigaleo

According to police, the first attack took place around 1:15 p.m. near the Aigaleo metro station, when the suspect pushed a 14-year-old girl to the ground, spat on her, and fled. Shortly afterward, he allegedly harassed a 58-year-old woman by grabbing her from behind and blowing into her ear.

Later, he followed a 17-year-old girl into her apartment building, where he reportedly made obscene gestures and attempted to pull down his trousers. The teenager resisted and shouted for help.

Two bystanders intervened, restraining the man until members of the DIAS motorcycle police unit arrived and placed him under arrest.

Witness account

An eyewitness, speaking to local media, described the dramatic moments of the attack on the 17-year-old:
“I heard a girl screaming for help and saw him attacking her. I tried to pull him away while shouting. He had her in a headlock. She managed to escape when I told her to run.”

According to the girl’s testimony, the suspect told her that if the woman had not intervened, “he would have done things to her.”

Charges and prior record

The suspect faces charges of sexual harassment, assault, threats, and verbal abuse. He is also accused of arson in connection with a wildfire that broke out on Mount Hymettus on September 7 near Vyronas.

Authorities say his arrest followed a three-month investigation that included witness statements, video evidence, and other collected material. Police are also investigating his possible involvement in three additional arson incidents in the Hymettus area.

Reports indicate the man, who holds political asylum in Greece, has a criminal record. He was previously arrested for attempted homicide but was released in May 2025 under restrictive conditions.

Community shaken

Residents of Aigaleo expressed shock over the incidents, praising the intervention of passersby who stopped the suspect. Local media report that he was not living in an official refugee accommodation facility at the time of his arrest.

Authorities continue their investigation to determine whether he is connected to further crimes in the area.