Michalis Chrysochoidis, Greece’s Minister for Citizen Protection, spoke sharply about the recent arson attacks targeting homes of New Democracy (ND) officials in Thessaloniki early Wednesday morning (1 July 2026), during a live interview on SKAI TV.
‘Known Reckless and Unrepentant Individuals’
Describing the perpetrators as “known reckless and unrepentant individuals who play with human lives,” Chrysochoidis emphasized that they have learned nothing — neither from their peers serving 25-year prison sentences, nor from years of domestic unrest, nor from the true meaning of terrorist acts. “Even playing with gas canisters puts lives at risk,” he added.
Shift From University Occupations to Targeted Attacks
The minister noted that, in recent years, university occupations — once common in Thessaloniki — have ended entirely. With student-led disruptions and classroom takeovers now halted and campus lawlessness curbed, extremist activity has reportedly shifted. “Now they’ve chosen these hit-and-run-style attacks,” he said.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
Chrysochoidis stressed that those responsible deserve one clear outcome: strict punishment. He called for their immediate arrest, prosecution, and fair trial — underscoring that justice must serve as both consequence and deterrent. “They must learn not to play with human lives,” he said.
According to the minister, a woman is hospitalized in critical condition following the attacks, while the condition of a second person is also assessed as serious.