Athens shootings trigger strikes by court and social security workers amid security concerns
Civil servants in Greece staged strike action on Wednesday, a day after a rare double shooting in central Athens left five employees injured and raised concerns over security at public institutions.
Court employees stopped work
Court employees stopped work between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., with their union, ODYE, accusing authorities of failing to ensure adequate protection at judicial buildings nationwide. In a statement, the union warned that most courts remain "literally unprotected" against potential threats, placing staff at constant risk while performing their duties.
The union questioned preparedness even in the capital, noting that if such incidents could occur in Athens, where security is expected to be tighter, the risks in other parts of the country could be even greater. It called on the government and the Justice Ministry to take immediate measures to prevent similar attacks.
Social Security workers strike
Meanwhile, employees of Greece’s main social security body, EFKA, launched a 24-hour strike and organized a protest outside the Labor Ministry. Their union described the attacks as reflective of daily working conditions in understaffed offices, where tensions with the public often escalate.
The unrest follows Tuesday’s attacks, when an 89-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire at an EFKA office and later at a courthouse in the Ambelokipi district. Five people were injured, all sustaining non-life-threatening wounds. Authorities confirmed the victims are being treated at the Red Cross Hospital and are out of danger.
Police said the suspect first used a shotgun at the EFKA branch, injuring one employee, before traveling by taxi to a courthouse, where he fired multiple shots, wounding four court clerks. He fled the scene but was later arrested in the western city of Patras while attempting to leave the country by ferry to Italy. A second weapon was reportedly recovered.
According to investigators, the suspect left behind letters addressed to media outlets and documents expressing frustration over unsuccessful efforts to secure a state pension.
Citizen Protection Minister: The incident was "dangerous and disturbing"
Speaking to Action24, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis described the incidents as "dangerous and disturbing," acknowledging security shortcomings, particularly at the courthouse, where screening systems and personnel were insufficient.
However, he stressed that the attacks were isolated and not indicative of broader insecurity in Greece.
"These are exceptions," he said, adding that while dangerous individuals exist, the country remains generally safe and does not require extensive security at all public facilities.
The suspect was transferred overnight to Athens, where he is expected to give a statement to investigators before appearing before a prosecutor later on Wednesday.
