Another clear example of the weaknesses in the migrant reception system and communication failures between government ministries involves a 24-year-old Palestinian troublemaker who single-handedly caused chaos in central Athens on Tuesday evening (23/9). The young man initially struck a man in the head with a glass bottle, robbed him, attempted to stab a woman with scissors, and then kicked a DIAS police officer in the head and bit another officer on the leg!
Palestinian attacks in central Athens: 24-year-old a repeat offender
According to parapolitika.gr sources, this is an individual who has repeatedly troubled authorities, who arrest him on an almost permanent basis only to find themselves facing him again! The 24-year-old illegally entered the country through Samos in April 2022, where it was discovered that he had no travel documents and deportation was ordered. However, two months later, following a relevant application, he was recognized as a refugee. From that point onward, he repeatedly violated his asylum status, constantly causing disturbances.
Specifically, in summer 2023, he was arrested in Kos on charges of causing bodily harm, while a year later he was arrested red-handed in Athens again on charges of bodily harm and disobedience. Last February he was arrested again without proper documents, leading to a second deportation order, while in March, he was arrested once more for resistance and disobedience. Last summer he troubled authorities after causing property damage, while during the same period he again caused damage and bodily harm.
The timeline
On Tuesday evening at 22:05, in the Omonia area, specifically at the intersection of Socrates and Chalkokondyli streets, police arrested a foreign national of Palestinian origin, aged 24, who allegedly attacked a female pedestrian with scissors. Upon seeing the police officers, he resisted, biting one and kicking the helmet of the second.
Investigation revealed that earlier, around 20:00, on Marnis Street, the same young Palestinian allegedly attacked another foreign national with a glass bottle to the head, resulting in the victim being transferred to “Georgios Gennimatas” hospital with injuries. He also stole a bag from the same man containing 600 euros in cash.
Criminal charges were filed against the alleged perpetrator for attempted murder, robbery, grievous and dangerous bodily harm, violence against officials, and weapons law violations. During the search, five knives and one pair of scissors were found in his backpack. The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Omonia Security Department, which referred the detainee to the prosecutor with the relevant case file.
