A nurse at Athens’ Attiko Hospital alerted security after spotting a 90-year-old man attempting to enter the room where acclaimed Greek actress Maro Kontou is being treated — with a knife concealed in the back pocket of his trousers. The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 24 June 2026, shortly after 10 p.m., at the Attiko Hospital, where Kontou is currently hospitalized in the cardiology department.
Deception and Danger
The elderly man reportedly posed as Kontou’s cousin to gain entry past the hospital gates. Carrying a small flowerpot, he made his way toward her ward, claiming he wanted to keep her company. According to sources, he suffers from serious psychiatric conditions and is expected to undergo evaluation at a psychiatric hospital for further assessment of his mental health.
Quick Thinking Prevents Crisis
The attending nurse noticed the outline of a knife sheath protruding from his back pocket and immediately contacted hospital security, reporting: “A man with a knife is outside the actress’s room.” This prompt action — confirmed by Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Nurses’ Association (POEDIN) — triggered a swift response.
Security personnel notified the Hellenic Police, who arrived on site and arrested the man. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the man’s motives.
Kontou’s Condition and Attitude
Maro Kontou remains under care in the cardiology unit. Medical staff describe her as the ‘joy of the ward,’ often sharing stories from her past with fellow patients and staff. Notably, from the outset of her hospitalization, she expressed a preference to stay in a shared room rather than a private one.
The incident ended without injury — but as Giannakos emphasized in an interview with newsit.gr, had the nurse not intervened, the outcome could have been tragically different, especially given the man’s reported mental health challenges.