He walks with steady steps, holding in his hands a makeshift explosive device, indifferent to the cameras recording him at a central location in Athens. New evidence comes to light regarding the brazen bomber attack that occurred Tuesday evening in Ilisia when an unknown perpetrator placed a bomb at the “Jacky.O” nightclub, which was closed, and then disappeared. Minor property damage was caused, while the Extortion Unit has taken over the case.
The owner of the nightclub in Ilisia describes to STAR how he learned, while at home, that his establishment became a target of bombers: “Ten o’clock they call me from the hotel next door and tell me: ‘They’ve put a bomb at your store’s door.’ I come here at ten fifteen, because I live nearby, and I see police – they were searching for bombs“.
Jacky.O nightclub explosion on Michalakopoulos street: The perpetrator’s characteristics
According to police officers, the perpetrator is approximately 35 years old, thin, wearing a hood and mask, dark clothes and white shoes.
“You can see someone wearing a mask and hood leaving a paper bag right at the door, three minutes before ten, and at ten o’clock the explosion happened. He left immediately — on foot“, says the business owner.
Right next to the nightclub – which was closed and would open in the coming days – there were a restaurant and apartment buildings.
Searching for the escape route
The explosion caused minor property damage to the store’s door and also to a parked car located in front.
The device was low-powered and TEEM members found only remnants of the explosive material. From early morning, however, police officers from the Extortion Unit are searching street by street to find some camera that might have clearly recorded the bomber’s face, but mainly how he escaped from the scene.
The business owner states that police asked him if he had any previous incidents or disputes with individuals, he answers negatively.
All material from cameras and device remnants will be transferred to criminology laboratories for analysis.
Why the explosion at “Jacky.O” nightclub on Michalakopoulos street may be an action of the “Greek Mafia”
According to parapolitika.gr sources, Extortion Unit officers estimate that behind the bombing attack may be the so-called “Greek Mafia,” in the context of settling scores. Police have collected remnants of the explosive device, while material from security cameras in the area is being examined, as many offices and stores operating in the area have recording systems. Investigations to locate the perpetrators are in full progress.
This was a brazen and audacious bombing attack, as the fact that at that moment there were no pedestrians at the location was either a matter of luck or the bomb was detonated with a remote control. For now, however, no one can say the slightest thing. The legendary disco had remained closed for years. A few months ago, it reopened and had begun to become the hangout for old and new regulars. Its successful course may have put it in the crosshairs of the “Greek mafia.” At the time of the attack, the store was closed and, according to initial information, has suffered considerable property damage. Police still don’t know the bombers’ route and are looking for eyewitnesses who will help map their movements.
It’s worth noting that vehicle traffic on Michalakopoulos street was increased due to the mobilization that was underway until a short time ago at the Israeli embassy, and fortunately the blast wave didn’t reach the road, because surely, if something like that had happened, there would have been several casualties.
A witness from Ilisia gives a shocking description of the moment the explosion occurred at the well-known “Jacky.O” nightclub, describing the terror experienced by area residents when they heard the deafening noise.
“We heard a deafening noise, an incredible deafening noise. At first I say ‘thunder? It’s not thunder.’ And then we went out and saw the fire trucks,” a woman reported, who emphasized that the explosion occurred around 10 PM. “I was very scared, no question about it. This must have happened around ten, ten something or ten to something,” she stated.
The legendary “Jacky.O” nightclub that marked an era
The “Jacky.O” nightclub represents one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the capital. During the 1980s and early ’90s, the nightclub on Michalakopoulos street became a magnet for youth, offering a unique experience full of lights, music and atmosphere. The characteristic decor with disco balls, neon lights and the era’s aesthetic created an authentic temple of entertainment. There, hundreds of young people danced until the early morning hours, experiencing the most intense side of ’80s nightlife. The fame of “Jacky.O” nightclub transcended entertainment, as it evolved into a cult cinema location. Many of the most popular video films of the ’80s chose the venue as a setting for iconic scenes.
The productions that immortalized the nightclub’s atmosphere include the films “Kamikazi, my love,” “The jackals,” “Wheel, bag and truancy,” “Basically, good evening,” “The turn,” “Say it golden-mouth” and dozens of other comedies from the golden age of Greek cinema.
Big names in Greek entertainment passed through the dancefloor of “Jacky.O” nightclub, creating unforgettable moments. Stathis Psalti, Stamatis Gardelis, Kaiti Finou and Rena Pagkrati are some of the faces connected to the venue through ’80s video films. These cinematic appearances transformed “Jacky.O” nightclub into a symbol of an entire era, full of humor, emotion and authentic energy that characterized the decade.
After years of absence, “Jacky.O” nightclub returned to Athens nightlife, maintaining its classic aesthetic. The nightclub offers visitors a nostalgic experience, combining tradition with modern elements. Today’s attack brings this historic venue back into the spotlight, reminding us of its importance in the capital’s cultural heritage and the need to protect the iconic locations that marked modern Greek history.
