The Greek civil defense minister Vassilis Kikilias burst his collar in front of the camera: “What is happening here is not only outrageous, but obscene and criminal.”
Forest fires continue to rage in many parts of Greece and the government has identified those responsible for the major fires in north-west Athens: arsonists.
During an emotional televised speech, the Minister of Civil Protection explained that the fires near Athens had been set in several places at the same time.
Furthermore, Vasilis Kikilias said: “Some common arsonists start fires and endanger forests, property and above all human lives. […] The investigators from the fire brigade, the Greek police and the secret service will do everything to arrest the arsonists. You are committing crimes against the country, you will not get away with it, we will find you, you will be held accountable to the judiciary.”
Burned area the size of Hamburg
At the foot of the Parnitha Mountains near Athens alone, the minister counted nine arson attacks. There, 12 outbreaks were counted within 24 hours.
Four suspects were arrested, three of whom were released due to lack of evidence. A fourth is in custody. It is a 45-year-old former lawyer.
The fires near the port city of Alexandroupolis in north-eastern Greece have been classified as the worst fires in the history of the European Union.
More than 73,000 hectares have already been burned, said the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic. This roughly corresponds to the area of Hamburg.
2023-08-24 20:41:27
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