Unidentified assailants attacked the French Institute on Sina Street in Athens, Greece, during the early hours of Monday morning. The attackers entered the premises at 4:00 in the morning and doused an Institute vehicle parked in the forecourt with a flammable liquid, before setting it on fire.
Two fire engines and seven fire fighters responded to the call to put out the fire, which also spread to a second vehicle belonging to the Institute that was parked near the first.
Roughly an hour later, unknown assailants used a pickaxe to break the Institute’s windows and again set fires using flammable liquids, though the prompt intervention of the fire brigade limited damage and prevented this from spreading. The police have launched an investigation to find those responsible.
Greece’s foreign ministry condemned an arson attack on the French Institute in Athens on Monday, expressing its abhorrence and unequivocal condemnation in an announcement.
“This mindless and criminal act against an institution that is a symbol of Greek-French friendship and France’s contribution to the cultural and intellectual life of Greece is doomed to fail.
Contrary to its intention, this barbaric and incomprehensible act will strengthen even further the deep-rooted friendship between the peoples of Greece and France, and the close cooperation between their governments,” the ministry’s announcement said.
(source: ana-mpa)
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