June 25, 2010

Bomb kills one at minister of public order office in Athens

Kathimerini on the package-bomb sent to Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis which was opened by assistant Giorgos Vassilakis, killing him instantly:

"In one of the most brazen terrorist attacks to ever take place in Greece, a device exploded last night next to the office of Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis in the ministry building near central Athens, killing his assistant. Initial reports suggest that the explosion was caused by a parcel bomb that the minister’s assistant, 52-year-old Giorgos Vassilakis, a married father of two, opened at around 8.30 p.m., triggering a blast that brought down the wall between his and Chrysochoidis’s office. The minister was not in his office at the time.

The ministry building houses the offices of some of Greece’s top policemen as well as the anti-terrorist squad. The intelligence services also use the building, located off Katehaki Avenue. There were no reports of any other serious injuries as a result of the blast.

Chrysochoidis has earned plaudits recently as, under his leadership, there have been significant breakthroughs in the fight against domestic terrorism."

Notice of bomb attack given brief report at New York Times:

"A powerful bomb sent in a package to the minister of public order exploded near his office in Athens on Thursday, killing his 52-year-old assistant, who opened the package. The minister, Michalis Chrysochoidis, left, who is in charge of the police and counterterrorism, was not in his office at the time. He described the attackers as “cowards” and said their actions would not divert his ministry from its counterterrorism drive. There was no immediate claim of responsibility."

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