Athens Arson Attacks: Seven Individuals Arrested for Racially Motivated Assaults on Israeli-Owned Property in 2021

In the past year, seven individuals have been arrested in Athens for setting fire to Israeli-owned hotels and synagogues, as reported by Reuters. Among those arrested were a 25-year-old Greek woman, two Iranians aged 46 and 36, and a 44-year-old Afghan accomplice. They were charged with arson and causing damage to foreign-owned property in racially motivated attacks that took place on May 15.

Another incident occurred on June 18 when a 44-year-old Greek man and a 26-year-old Afghan man threw a flammable substance at the entrance of a synagogue in Athens while riding motorcycles. The action resulted in a fire, and a 30-year-old Iranian was arrested as an accomplice. They were charged with arson, possession of weapons, and robbery.

In March of the previous year, the Greek police arrested two men suspected of being involved in planning an arson attack or assault on an Israeli restaurant and synagogue in Athens. The Israeli Mossad commended the Greek police for their response to these arrests and accused Iran of orchestrating the operations.