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Two Bombs Go Off at Athens Court Complex
EFL/FU:Two powerful time bombs exploded at Athensâ main court complex Friday in attacks the government linked to the trial of suspected members of Greeceâs deadliest terrorist group. A group calling itself Revolutionary Struggle claimed responsibility in a call to an Athens newspaper. It did not give a reason for the pre-dawn attack. "Reason? We donât need no stinkinâ reason!" Government spokesman Christos Protopapas suggested the bombings sought to influence the trial of 19 suspected members of the November 17 terrorist cell, which is blamed for 23 killings and dozens of attacks since 1975. Since the trial began in March, groups using a variety of names have claimed responsibility for firebombings and other attacks in support of the November 17 suspects. The explosions occurred within 20 minutes of each other at the fence-enclosed compound that includes courts, prosecutorsâ offices and other legal departments. The area was mostly deserted when the first bomb went off at 2:50 a.m. A second - and stronger - bomb detonated just a few yards away at 3:10 a.m., injuring a police officer, authorities said. SOP, first bomb pulls in the police, second bomb goes for the kill. The first bomb blew out windows and a door on one building. An armored police booth was damaged by the second blast. Except for the damaged building, the courts operated normally Friday. Experts said the bombs were triggered by battery-operated clocks. They were similar to one placed by another group - calling itself Popular Revolutionary Action - outside the offices of a U.S.-based American Life Insurance Co., in July. The bomb did not explode. Rookies. Also Friday, arsonists threw gasoline bombs through a bank window in the northern city of Thessaloniki, causing minor damage but no injuries. An anarchist group claimed responsibility and demanded the release of jailed suspects from other arson gangs. The Athens Olympics should be fun next summer, just remember to pack your flak jacket. Posted by: Steve 2003-09-05 |
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