Athens Police Crack Down on Far-Left Militants After Attacks

In response to recent attacks, including a parcel bomb sent to a senior judge, Greek antiterrorism police conducted raids and made arrests in Athens, seizing firearms and explosives. The suspects face charges related to terrorism and weapons violations.

In a significant development, Greek antiterrorism police have carried out a series of raids and arrests in connection with recent attacks claimed by far-left militants. These attacks have raised concerns about a resurgence in militant violence in the country.

Crackdown on Far-Left Militant Activity

The police operations were prompted by a recent spate of attacks, including a parcel bomb mailed to a senior judge in Thessaloniki. Fortunately, the bomb was disarmed by experts after the recipient detected it and alerted courthouse security, leading to the evacuation of the court building. Responsibility for this attack was claimed by a previously unknown anarchist group called Armed Response, which vowed to intensify attacks against the judiciary in support of imprisoned militants.

Arrests and Charges

As a result of the raids, six individuals were apprehended in the capital, Athens. Additionally, four individuals currently serving prison sentences are suspected of involvement in the case. All ten suspects face serious charges, including membership in a terrorist organization, attempted murder, and violations of weapons and explosives laws.

History of Far-Left Militant Violence in Greece

Greece has a long history of far-left militant violence, ranging from bombings and assassinations to arson attacks. While major groups have been dismantled or have ceased operations, new groups, often professing anarchist ideologies, have emerged and claimed responsibility for recent minor bombings.

Recent Attacks and Claims

In addition to the parcel bomb incident, several other attacks have been attributed to far-left militants. These include a bomb explosion outside the labor ministry in Athens, which caused no injuries but resulted in damage to buildings and vehicles. A group called Revolutionary Class Self-Defense claimed responsibility for this attack. Another incident involved a bomb placed outside a riot police compound in Athens in December, which fortunately failed to detonate.

Ongoing Investigations and Concerns

The police statement issued on Tuesday suggests that the suspects may have been involved in four additional low-key attacks since June 2023. These attacks involved the use of small bombs or hand grenades in Athens and the city of Larissa in central Greece. A far-left group known as Coordination for Revenge claimed responsibility for these incidents.

The recent wave of attacks has raised concerns among Greek authorities and citizens alike. The government has vowed to take all necessary measures to combat this resurgence in militant violence and ensure the safety and security of the public.