Thessaloniki: ‘I Feared They Were Turkish Agents,’ Says 49-Year-Old About Shooting at EUP Officers

A 49-year-old Turkish national has been remanded in custody after his testimony before the 5th Tactical Prosecutor’s Office regarding the shooting incident against European Union Police (EUP) officers last week. The suspect, who fired shots from a jeep at the EUP officers, is being prosecuted for attempted murder, conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and weapons use. During his statement, the man claimed he did not realize the individuals were EUP agents and opened fire out of fear that Turkish agents intended to abduct him. He stated that during the two preceding hours, he noticed a vehicle following him throughout his journey, which caused him significant anxiety. Fearing for his life and potential abduction by Turkish intelligence operatives, he acted in panic at a gas station. Observing that the suspicious vehicle had stopped behind him, he believed it contained hostile individuals. In a state of panic, he walked 20 meters towards the suspected vehicle. Before he could address the driver, the vehicle sped off, leading to the shootings. His intention, he claimed, was to intimidate, firing six times at the bottom of the car door without aiming to injure anyone. Reports suggest he planned to flee to Bulgaria. Meanwhile, two others aged 23 and 43 are also wanted for the same incident, facing criminal charges with extradition procedures underway to Greece.