Mother of Greek Politician Dies Following Arson Attack
Vagia Nestora, mother of Afroditi Nestora, a politician affiliated with Greece's ruling New Democracy party, has died from injuries sustained in a suspected arson attack targeting party officials. The incident is part of a series of attacks that occurred in Thessaloniki.
According to hospital officials in Thessaloniki, Vagia Nestora, aged 72, suffered extensive burns covering approximately 80% of her body and multiple organ failure. She was admitted in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries despite intensive care treatment.
The injuries were a result of an explosion and fire at the apartment building where her daughter, Afroditi Nestora, resides. Afroditi, who is a party candidate, also sustained burns and smoke inhalation and remains hospitalized. Additionally, Afroditi's father, who has pre-existing health conditions, along with two other residents, were admitted for breathing difficulties following the incident.
Details of the Attacks
Police reports indicate that improvised incendiary devices were placed outside the apartment building, causing the explosion and subsequent fire. The blast destroyed two cars, damaged several motorcycles, and inflicted significant damage on the building.
The attack was one of three separate incidents involving petrol bombs and other improvised devices that occurred within minutes of each other in Thessaloniki during the early hours of Wednesday. The other two attacks targeted the residences of Zisis Ioakeimovits, chairman of New Democracy's Thessaloniki administrative committee, and former New Democracy MP Savvas Anastasiadis. No injuries were reported in these incidents.
Reports suggest the attacks took place at approximately 04:18, 04:23, and 04:35 on Wednesday.
Official Responses and Investigation
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the hospital in Thessaloniki following the attacks. Addressing reporters, he stated:
"Violence has no place in an organised society."
He further pledged that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. Prior to Vagia Nestora's death, the Prime Minister condemned the perpetrators, stating:
"Those who had carried out such attacks under the guise of social struggle were nothing more than criminals, they will be treated as such."
Greece's Counter-Terrorism Service has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Authorities are examining whether the three attacks were coordinated and are currently analyzing CCTV footage. No arrests have been announced, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
