Greek authorities announced the arrest of two individuals on Friday in connection with a deadly 2010 firebombing at a Marfin bank branch in Athens. This incident, which occurred on May 5, 2010, resulted in the deaths of three employees—a man and two women, one of whom was pregnant—who were trapped inside the Marfin bank after protesters hurled firebombs at the building during a demonstration by tens of thousands of people participating in a general strike against new austerity measures imposed by the government.
The protest was part of a general strike organized against harsh austerity measures implemented by the government during the early stages of Greece’s decade-long financial crisis. The bank branch was situated along the path of the demonstration, and as the fire spread rapidly, those trapped inside were forced onto a small balcony to escape the smoke. Reports from the time indicated that some individuals in the crowd below shouted for the employees to be left to burn because they were working during the strike. Firefighters were significantly delayed in reaching the site because of the large crowd, quickly trapping employees inside when they made it out onto a small balcony, choking from the smoke.
These arrests represent the first time suspects have been identified in the case, which authorities reopened in 2020. Addressing the development, Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis stated that the arrests are a matter of vindication and justice. “Our democracy is strong and always wins in the end. It does not win vengefully. Its victories have to do with vindication and the administration of justice,” he said. “There cannot be a crime, the taking of a life, without the administration of justice. There cannot be democracy without the administration of justice.”
Chrysochoidis also noted separate arrests made on Friday regarding a series of bombings on July 1 that targeted members of the governing New Democracy party, an attack that resulted in one death and four injuries. The original 2010 tragedy occurred as Greece faced severe economic turmoil, including deep wage and pension cuts required by international bailouts. The crisis ultimately wiped out a quarter of the nation’s economy, leading to skyrocketing unemployment rates of approximately 27% and widespread poverty, leaving a lasting impact on Greek society.
The bank branch was on the route of a mass demonstration called during a general strike to protest austerity measures imposed for the country’s first bailout. The protest turned violent, with some hurling Molotov cocktails into the bank.
