Bomb explodes outside ministry in Athens, no injuries

A Greek newspaper received a phone call by an unknown caller that a bomb had been planted at the ministry and had informed the police who cordoned off the area before the explosion.

 Police officers are seen in Athens, Greece, June 23, 2021 (photo credit: REUTERS/COSTAS BALTAS)
Police officers are seen in Athens, Greece, June 23, 2021
(photo credit: REUTERS/COSTAS BALTAS)

 An explosive device went off outside Greece's labour ministry in central Athens early on Saturday but caused no injuries, Greek police said.

A Greek newspaper received a phone call by an unknown caller that a bomb had been planted at the ministry and had informed the police who cordoned off the area before the explosion which caused damage to the building and broken windows, police said.

The caller said a previously unknown guerrilla group was behind the attack, a police official said on condition of anonymity.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

 Anti-vaccine demonstrators shut slogans during a protest in Athens last month (credit: COSTAS BALTAS / REUTERS)
Anti-vaccine demonstrators shut slogans during a protest in Athens last month (credit: COSTAS BALTAS / REUTERS)

A pattern of political violence

Greece has a history of political violence. Small bomb and arson attacks are frequent and most of them do not cause serious damage.

However, the government said it was worried by the incident.

"The attack is very serious and has to do with a serious crime," government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told Open TV broadcaster on Saturday.