The mother of a Greek politician has died following an arson attack on her home in Athens. Greek authorities confirmed the death on Sunday, describing the incident as a targeted act of political violence. The victim, identified as 80-year-old Eleni Katseli, was the mother of George Katselis, a prominent member of the centre-left party PASOK. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attack, calling it a "brutal assault on democracy."
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday in the residential suburb of Kypseli. Emergency services extinguished the blaze, but Mrs Katseli was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital. Police have launched a murder investigation. No arrests have been made, but sources indicate that surveillance footage shows two suspects fleeing the scene.
British officials responded swiftly. Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement expressing condolences and condemning the attack. "The United Kingdom stands with Greece against political violence," he said. "This cowardly act has no place in a democratic society." The British Embassy in Athens is in contact with Greek authorities, offering forensic assistance if required.
Greece has experienced a rise in political polarisation in recent years, with occasional flare-ups of violence targeting public figures. According to political analyst Nikos Christodoulou of the University of Athens, this attack marks a dangerous escalation. "The murder of a family member is a new and alarming threshold. It shatters the unwritten rule that politics does not target families," he said. The attack has prompted calls for enhanced security for politicians and their relatives.
PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis described the incident as "a national tragedy" and called for national unity against extremism. Funeral arrangements are pending, with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.
This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they emerge.
