In emotional statements made on June 13, 2026, Panagiotis Nestoras spoke with a trembling voice about the unbearable loss of his wife, Vagia Nestora, and the critical health condition of his daughter, Aphrodite Nestora. The father of New Democracy MP Aphrodite Nestora expressed public gratitude to the Hellenic Police (ELAS) for swiftly carrying out three arrests in connection with the arson-murder attack on his home in Thessaloniki.
A Family Shattered Twice in Five Years
Nestoras admitted he still cannot fully grasp the death of his beloved wife. He described himself as shattered, revealing that within just five years, he has endured two devastating family losses—the deaths of both his wife and his daughter—a reality that makes coping with the tragedy even more difficult. The attack, part of a wave of hate-fueled violence in Thessaloniki, has left deep scars on the family.
Praise for Police Work and a Plea for Justice
He commended the Hellenic Police for their rapid investigation, saying: “I want to congratulate the Hellenic Police for identifying my wife’s killers in such a short time.” He called the arrests a small measure of justice for the family and voiced hope that those responsible would be held fully accountable before the courts.
“I wish my wife’s death to be the last innocent death caused by such acts of hatred and intolerance,” he said, underscoring the broader societal implications of the crime.
Daughter’s Recovery and a Message Against Violence
Nestoras also addressed the serious injuries sustained by his daughter, Aphrodite, during the explosion. Her health, he said, is showing gradual improvement, and she is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon—though she will require ongoing rehabilitation under close medical supervision.
He fully endorsed his daughter’s public message, stressing that the family rejects further cycles of violence. “We don’t want more deaths or more injuries. There are other ways to fight for your beliefs. Dialogue is the best tool—not attacks, not Molotov cocktails,” he stated emphatically.
‘Why?’
When asked what he would say to the suspects, Nestoras responded with visible emotion: “Don’t put me in this position. I still haven’t processed the loss of my wife. I would simply look at them—and ask one big question: ‘Why?’” He added that he holds onto hope these individuals will mature and reflect on their actions.