Those responsible will pay for the consequences of their criminal actions, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said after new arrests for arson.

“A 66-year-old man who was arrested by the IDF for arson with intent in the four dangerous fires our firefighters responded to in Vari on June 8 and 9 was taken to the investigating judge today. He was given a deadline to enter a plea on Thursday and is now being held at GADA. Also, today the Prosecutor’s Office ordered the detention of a 33 year old man, who was arrested for arson with intent causing 3 fires in Magoula Elefsina on July 31 and August 1. Yesterday, three other men were arrested who are accused of causing the fire in Koromilia Domokou while carrying out work. Strong ground forces, 7 aircrafts and 1 helicopter fought a hard battle to save the threatened area as the fire broke out next to houses” Mr. Kikilias stressed.

He added: “The new criminal code provides for sentences of up to 10 years for arson from negligence – as the offence has now become a felony – and up to 20 years for arson with intent. We will not stop investigating all fires in depth one by one so that those responsible are brought to justice and pay the consequences of their criminal actions.”.