A potentially deadly bomb was discovered at the home of prominent Greek journalist Giannis Pretenteris on Thursday, prompting a swift response from the Greek Anti-Terrorist Unit. Authorities are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the placement of the explosive device, which fortunately failed to detonate.
The device, consisting of five sticks of ammonium dynamite connected to a slow-burning fuse and concealed in a plastic bag, was found near the perimeter fence of Pretenteris’ residence. The discovery was made by a gardener, who alerted the journalist’s security guard, triggering an immediate response from the Greek Police. The area was cordoned off, with the Anti-Terrorist Unit, the Explosives Disposal Team (TEEM), and the Fire Service rushing to the scene.
“This was not a small amount—five sticks of ammonium dynamite. For comparison, the device used in the Hellenic Train incident involved just one stick,” said Giorgos Kallikmanis, a police official. “If someone had been nearby during an attempted detonation, the consequences could have been fatal.”
Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou, speaking on the program Koinonia Ora MEGA, provided further details. “Mr. Pretenteris himself has commented on the incident. He has been targeted in a similar attack in the past. Thankfully, the device did not explode this time. It appears there was an attempt to activate it, but something went wrong, preventing an explosion. The device was designed to be triggered by a fuse and was placed close to the fence, likely from the outside.”
Authorities are investigating whether the bomb was intended to send a message or cause harm, with no prior warning call reported. The Anti-Terrorist Unit is leading the effort to identify the perpetrators and their motives, as the incident raises concerns about the safety of journalists in Greece according to vima
Source: pagenews.gr