Extensive investigations are underway by the Counterterrorism Unit to identify those responsible for three arson attacks that took place on Tuesday night in Thessaloniki, targeting the homes of candidates from the New Democracy party.

One of the victims of the attacks was the mother of New Democracy candidate Aphrodite Nestora. Vagia Nestora was rushed to hospital in critical condition and, despite doctors’ efforts, later died from her injuries.

Cameras and mobile data under scrutiny

From the very first moments, counterterrorism officers have been in possession of material from the areas where the attacks occurred. A request has also been submitted for the lifting of telecommunications privacy in order to analyze mobile phone data.

According to police reporter Vassilis Lambropoulos of To Vima and Ta Nea, investigations are focusing on an active anarchist/extremist cell in Thessaloniki, as similar “gas canister bomb” attacks (locally known as “gasakia”) have occurred in the past.

According to the same information, police are seeking to quickly identify two individuals who were riding a motorcycle, while the involvement of a third person acting as a lookout is also considered certain.

“At least three people involved”

Greek police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou expressed optimism about the progress of the investigation.

“We will have results soon. We have full confidence in the officers,” she stated, adding that “at least three people” were involved in the attack, according to initial findings.

Ms. Dimoglidou explained that police are collecting and analyzing surveillance footage from a wide radius around the attack sites in order to map the suspects’ movements.

She also noted that investigators are examining the possibility that some of those involved participated in all three attacks, given that the locations are close to one another and movement between them could have been carried out by motorcycle.

“As someone could easily move by motorcycle and be the same person carrying out the act,” she said, adding that the same method of operation and identical explosive devices were used in all three incidents.

“Close to arrests of the perpetrators”

The chairman of the New Democracy Thessaloniki Executive Committee, Zisis Ioakeimidis, spoke Thursday morning on the television program “Koinonia Ora MEGA.”

“The criminal attack with gas canisters at the homes of the three New Democracy officials is not directed against New Democracy, but against democracy itself, against anyone who believes differences are resolved through dialogue and not violence. As for threats or harassment, I had none at all. I should note that in 2023, both my home and Mr. Anastasiasiadis’ home were targeted with paint. Paint is one thing, gas canisters are another. Mr. Simopoulos’ home was also targeted. Gas canisters were not used in homes before, only in political offices,” he said.

“At my home there were only material damages—burnt screens and shutters. It was not on the same scale as what happened at Ms. Nestora’s home. From what I have been informed, the perpetrators are believed to belong to the anarchist space, and I have been told they are close to arrest. We hope this happens as soon as possible so they are brought to justice,” he added.

Call from New Democracy and ONNED

At the same time, a rally will take place on Thursday afternoon (02/07, 19:00) organized by New Democracy and its youth wing ONNED outside the Hippokration Hospital in Thessaloniki. According to the announcement, the aim is to send a clear message against terrorism.

The statement reads:

“The day after the tragic loss of Vagia Nestora, following yesterday’s murderous attack on the homes of three of our officials in Thessaloniki, finds all of us in New Democracy in deep sorrow but unwavering determination.

The large family of our party is in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nestora family, with Aphrodite, her father, and their loved ones.

Today, at 7 p.m., outside the Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, members, officials, and friends of New Democracy and ONNED will honor the memory of Aphrodite Nestora’s tragically lost mother and raise our voices against terrorism.

We will all be there.

We are not afraid.”