In a terrorist-like act, a group of masked assailants targeted the home of Supreme Court President Ioanna Klapa shortly after midnight on Thursday, June 27.
Reports indicate that around 5 or 6 unidentified individuals launched at least five Molotov cocktails at the guard post outside the president’s residence in the Athens suburb of Papagos before quickly fleeing the scene.
The attack resulted in the patrol car catching fire, while the police officer stationed there sustained injuries. He was swiftly transported to the 401 General Military Hospital for treatment of burns to his face and hands. Firefighters deployed 8 personnel and 2 vehicles to extinguish the blaze on the damaged patrol car.
The incident, occurring in the early hours, has raised significant security concerns. The perpetrators appeared highly organized, closely monitoring the movements of the 42-year-old officer, who was in civilian attire. They struck when he entered his patrol car, launching Molotov cocktails before disappearing into the night.
Witnesses from neighboring areas reported seeing the hooded attackers traversing on foot through a nearby forest. In mere moments, they reached the residence of the senior judicial figure, where the officer’s vehicle was parked, and unleashed their assault unnoticed.
The Counterterrorism Service has taken charge of the investigation, analyzing CCTV footage to trace the attackers’ route and bring them to justice.
“Criminal acts against judicial officials undermine democratic processes and seek to instill fear and tension within the judiciary as a whole,” declared the Judges and Prosecutors Association in a formal statement.
