Firefighters responding to a church fire in Trachoni were attacked by youths who hurled stones, hurled abuse and made threats as they left the scene on Monday, in the second such attack on Fire Service members in less than a month.
A similar incident occurred on March 8, when firefighters extinguishing a fire at the courtyard of Agios Nikolaos church in Polemidia were also stoned by youths, according to a joint statement by unions PASYDY and SYPYK.
The Justice Minister said the incidents would be investigated with the appropriate severity and that the perpetrators would face charges. “We expect those responsible to be brought before justice swiftly,” he said.
The two unions called on all relevant authorities to take steps to protect Fire Service members and ensure they can carry out their work without obstruction. They also called on the public to condemn violent behaviour against firefighters.
“We must all appreciate the difficulties that come with a firefighter’s duties, and that attacks against Service members make their work even harder and increase the dangers of the job,” the unions said. “We owe it to Fire Service members to show them the respect they deserve as they work daily to protect citizens and their property.”