Greek authorities arrested seven individuals linked to arson attacks targeting a synagogue and an Israeli-owned hotel in central Athens this year, police announced on Thursday.
The anti-terrorism unit apprehended a group of four, including a 25-year-old Greek woman, two Iranian nationals (ages 46 and 36), and an Afghan accomplice (44). They are accused of using a makeshift bomb to attack a building housing the Israeli hotel and restaurant on May 15th. The charges include arson with potential endangerment to life and racially motivated vandalism of foreign property.
In a separate incident on June 18th, a 44-year-old Greek man and a 26-year-old Afghan on a motorcycle allegedly threw flammable material at a synagogue, causing a fire. Police also arrested a 30-year-old Iranian believed to be their accomplice. These individuals face accusations of arson, gun possession, and robbery.
Authorities confiscated mobile phones as evidence from a residence in Athens and a prison cell. Five of the suspects remain in custody, while two await trial under restrictions.
This follows an incident in March 2023 where Greek police arrested two individuals suspected of planning an arson or bomb attack on the same synagogue and an Israeli restaurant. Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, commended Greece for preventing the attack and accused Iran of orchestrating it.
Greece Arrests Seven In Arson Attacks On Synagogue, Hotel (greekcitytimes.com)