Greece arrests 7 terror suspects over arson attacks on synagogue, Israeli-owned hotel

By Reuters 4 July 2024, 5:27 pm

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Illustrative - A Greek police officer closes the entrance of the court house following the transfer of suspects that have been charged with membership in a terrorist organization, in Athens, March 2023. (AP/Petros Giannakouris)

ATHENS – Greece’s anti-terrorism police arrest seven people over separate arson attacks against an Israeli-owned hotel and a synagogue in central Athens this year, according to a police statement.

A 25-year-old Greek woman, two Iranians aged 46 and 36 and an Afghan accomplice, 44, have been arrested over a May 15 attack with a makeshift incendiary bomb on a building housing an Israeli-owned hotel and restaurant.

The four are accused of arson that could potentially put human lives at risk and of causing damage to foreign-owned property in a racially motivated attack.

In another incident on June 18, a 44-year old Greek man and a 26-year old Afghan rode near a synagogue in Athens on a motorcycle and threw flammable material at its entrance causing fire, police add. A police official says a 30-year-old Iranian has been arrested as their accomplice.

The three are accused of arson, gun possession and robbery among other violations, the official adds.

Police have seized evidence including mobile phones found in a residence in Athens and a prison.

Five of those arrested have been detained and two released on restrictions while awaiting trial.