The businessman of Albanian origin from Alexandroupoli gave his version of the incident with the 13 immigrants, identified as nationals of Pakistan and Syria, he kept illegally in a trailer.
“I am not a fascist or a racist,” he told GRTimes, identifying himself as a person who does not have racist tendencies.
“The place I was at is 200 meters from my business. Several improvised incendiary structures were found in the area. In the previous days, the suburbs and settlements of Alexandroupolis had been evacuated, as well as the University General Hospital. Naturally, all the residents had lost sleep and were on the alert for the fire to find us during the night.
“At the specific point between Alexandroupoli and S. Chile, behind a supermarket chain, I spotted a group of 13 people who were around an object and were trying to set it on fire while holding a balloon that smelled of gasoline, and they also brought a knife with them.
“I immediately called two of my fellow citizens who were at the scene, and we asked them to throw the knives and the objects they were holding in their hands. We prevented them from creating an active fire source within the urban fabric.
“Then it would have to be ensured that they wouldn’t escape and attack us until the police arrived. I immediately called 100, and in ten minutes, a police patrol car came and picked them up.
“The video was taken while we were waiting for the police to arrive, as I wanted to inform my fellow citizens of the incident; specifically, after so many days of fighting the fire, I spotted arsonists in the city while they were preparing to set fire.
“I didn’t care if they were immigrants if they came from Albania, Syria, Greece or Australia. I am neither a fascist nor a racist, and I am sure that my fellow citizens of Alexandroupoli with whom I have been doing business all these years know that,” he concluded.
According to the businessman’s lawyer, Mr Vassilis Demiri, the case is being investigated in terms of its two aspects by the Court of Justice, which is the only one competent to rule.
“We will provide every possible assistance and every element that will contribute to the search for the essential truth. We have received a deadline for the apology before Ms Anakritria for Friday,” he said in speaking to GRTimes.
The 13 illegal immigrants, who were illegally kept in a trailer by three citizens in Alexandroupolis, are accused of attempted arson.
As it was officially announced, the 13 immigrants were prosecuted for attempted arson. At the same time, a felony charge was brought against the businessman, as well as against the two Greeks who were with him.
More specifically, the 13 people are facing the following charges:
- Attempted arson endangering human life
- Manufacture and possession of explosives
- Illegal entry into the country
While the three arrested are facing the following charges:
- Incitement to commit crimes, acts of violence, or racially motivated discord
- Racially motivated robbery jointly and severally
- Exposure to risk
- For personal data legislation
https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/08/24/fires-greece-13-pakistani-migrants/
