In Brief
TV episode
Nine detained after firebomb attack outside Athens studio Nine people have been detained in connection to a firebomb attack that occurred outside the premises of Extra 3 TV in Athens early yesterday. The incident is being linked to a rivalry between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos soccer fans, as the incident occurred just when a well-known phone-in program conducted by two hardcore supporters of the Piraeus club came to an end. A group of up to 30 people threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at the TV channel’s premises, damaging the entrance. Also, three cars were completely destroyed in the attack and another five damaged. Nobody was injured. The nine suspects have been accused of arson, illegal possession of weapons and damaging property. Migrants protest 15 on hunger strike in Hania Fifteen migrants went on hunger strike outside the town hall in Hania, Crete, yesterday to highlight the fact that they have not been given residence permits. The migrants also pitched eight tents in front of the building and said they would not leave until they have been issued the permits. Dozens of other migrants gathered to offer their support. It is estimated that some 500 migrants have submitted applications but have yet to be granted residence papers. Mountain fire A fire that broke out late on Monday in the area of Petrovouno on Mount Athos razed around 25 hectares of forestland but did not threaten any monasteries, according to the local fire service, which had contained the blaze by early yesterday. Some 80 firemen were used in the effort to douse the blaze. The fire service remained on standby late yesterday. Alex trial The head of a five-member team of psychiatrists who examined the testimonies of five children charged in connection with the disappearance of 11-year-old Alex Meshivili yesterday told a Thessaloniki court that the boys displayed «signs of culpability» in their behavior. But she said the boys did not appear to have operated as a gang. The five boys have been linked to the suspected manslaughter of the 11-year-old who has been missing since February 2006. Homeless appeal A non-government organization in Thessaloniki yesterday appealed for the help of hoteliers or citizens to accommodate two immigrant families with small children from Somalia who are homeless, as state hostels are full. An Arsis representative appealed to hoteliers to set aside rooms for the two families – two young mothers with five and two children, respectively – or to residents to make donations so that expenses for the families’ stay at a hotel can be covered. Cyprus talks Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday met in Nicosia for their seventh round of face-to-face talks since the latest peace initiative was launched in early September. United Nations envoy Alexander Downer was present at the talks and is to meet the two leaders separately today. IKA disruption Staff at all social security funds except IKA are to stage a 24-hour strike today. The employees, who staged a work stoppage yesterday, are seeking better work conditions and benefits.
