Michalis Chrysochoidis was unequivocal about the progress of investigations into the arson attacks that took place in Thessaloniki, expressing his certainty that those responsible will be tracked down and brought to justice. The Minister of Citizen Protection, speaking on Mega’s Live News program, reiterated that the relevant authorities are working intensively to solve the case that led to the death of Vagia Nestora, mother of New Democracy politician Aphrodite Nestora.
The minister opened his statement by offering his condolences to the family of the unfortunate woman, stressing that her loss has shaken everyone. “We are devastated and we mourn the murder of a woman,” he said, noting that he had visited the injured Aphrodite Nestora at Hippokration Hospital alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.
Chrysochoidis: “Let the authorities do their job”
The Minister of Citizen Protection called on everyone to allow the prosecuting authorities to complete their work without interruption, free from premature conclusions and pressure. Michalis Chrysochoidis stressed that police services are continuing their investigations methodically and consistently, making use of every available piece of evidence that could lead to those responsible for the attack. “Let the authorities do their job, so that the guilty are brought to justice,” he stated, emphasizing that the rule of law is based exclusively on evidence. As he characteristically noted, “Democracy requires a case file and full proof in order for the guilty to be tried,” making clear that investigations are proceeding on the basis of legality and not appearances. He expressed confidence that police are heading in the right direction, though he declined to provide further details on the progress of the investigation.
“There is no new wave of terrorism”
When asked whether the recent attacks represent the beginning of a new wave of terrorism, the minister responded with a categorical no. As he explained, the current situation in Thessaloniki differs significantly from that of previous years, when dozens of occupied buildings were operating as bases for anarchist groups.
He also noted that universities today operate under different conditions, pointing out that they close at 10 p.m., while he argued that the phenomenon of football-related violence in the city has also seen a notable decline. However, he did refer to the existence of individuals he described as “nostalgic for a former state of affairs,” implying that these are people who continue to pursue similar acts of violence.
The minister also addressed the political dimension of the case, noting that in Parliament — with one exception, as he put it — there was a unified condemnation of the attack across political parties. He closed his statement on a particularly firm note, sending a clear message to those responsible for the attack. “There is no chance these murderers will not be arrested,” he said emphatically. He continued: “It is my personal commitment, the commitment of the authorities, and of our democracy. They will be brought to justice.”
