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| Europe |
| Two Bombs Go Off at Athens Court Complex |
| 2003-09-05 |
| EFL/FU: Two powerful time bombs exploded at Athens’ main court complex Friday in attacks the government linked to the trial of suspected members of Greece’s 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 don’t need no stinkin’ 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, prosecutors’ 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 |
| #7 Was in Derry, N. Ireland when my favorite pub was boomed. A quick clean up, new TV and they were back in business. Kinda hated the plywood windows, though.........But the beer was good and Donald Duck was on the telly. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-9-5 9:41:14 PM |
| #6 Another time I agree with Murat: Being in Georgia when the Olympics were in Atlanta, I can say its not pleasant having a bomb go off during the games. Here's hoping things go well and without incident. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2003-9-5 12:32:49 PM |
| #5 England fans aren't allowed to go to that match, Murat! Besides, I'm not really into the whole football violence scene ;) Beers another time... |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2003-9-5 10:40:48 AM |
| #4 Thanx Bulldog, Before we can toast a beer if you come over here for the Turkey-England match |
| Posted by: Murat 2003-9-5 10:33:35 AM |
| #3 Murat, hook up with Aris in Athens while you're there, for the further glory of Rantburg! Down a few Ouzos and let the games begin! Hope you have a great time. |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2003-9-5 10:18:53 AM |
| #2 Strange, it has been quite calm the last couple of years with regard to terror in Greece. I wish our Greek friends a terror free olympics next year, which I plan to visit. |
| Posted by: Murat 2003-9-5 10:00:48 AM |
| #1 SOOOOOOOO, I guess the demonstration events for the Athens Olympics will be: Bomb Defusing Field stripping an AK-47 blindfolded for time Bomb assembly for time. Bomb detonation with points given for body count. The IOC should have their head examined for choosing Athens given the fragile and volitile state of that region. |
| Posted by: SOG475 2003-9-5 9:33:21 AM |