Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chryssochoidis issued a clear message on Thursday, 2 July 2026, during the Live News programme on Mega TV: the perpetrators of the arson attacks targeting three New Democracy officials in Thessaloniki will be identified and brought before justice.
Mourning and Solidarity
The remarks came in the wake of a deadly attack that claimed the life of Vagia Nestora — mother of New Democracy MP Aphrodite Nestora. Chryssochoidis reiterated his condolences to the family, stating: ‘We are devastated and mourn the murder of a woman.’ He recalled visiting Aphrodite Nestora at the Hippokration Hospital alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.
‘Let Authorities Do Their Job’
Chryssochoidis emphasized that law enforcement agencies are working ‘intensely and methodically,’ expanding investigations across all possible leads. ‘Let the authorities do their job so the guilty are brought to justice,’ he said, underscoring that democracy operates not on impressions but on evidence. ‘Democracy requires a formal case file and full proof before anyone is tried,’ he noted.
No New Wave of Terrorism
When asked whether Greece faces a new wave of terrorism, Chryssochoidis responded categorically: ‘No.’ He described today’s security landscape in Thessaloniki as ‘entirely different’ from the past — citing the elimination of dozens of occupied buildings once used as bases by anarchist groups. Universities now operate under stricter oversight, including a 10 p.m. closure policy, and fan-related unrest in the city has significantly declined. Still, he acknowledged a lingering group: ‘nostalgists of an old, lawless status quo.’
‘There Is No Chance They Won’t Be Arrested’
On the political response, Chryssochoidis welcomed the near-unanimous condemnation of the attack in Parliament — with only one exception. His message was unequivocal: ‘There is no chance these murderers will evade arrest.’ He framed it as a personal commitment, a duty of state institutions, and a core obligation of Greek democracy: ‘They will be brought to justice.’