Bomb explodes inside Greek courthouse, 1 wounded


It was the second bombing in two days - after a blast Thursday outside a jail in Athens that also wounded one person - raising concern that a recent crackdown on Greek militant groups could spur a new series of attacks.

Bombings and other militant attacks are frequent in Greece, but they usually occur at night and rarely target buildings during working hours.

Police had evacuated most of the court building after a Greek newspaper and television station received an anonymous call warning that a bomb had been planted in the toilets in the building's basement.

Dozens of people inside the building were seen running out the court moments before the blast.

Lawyer Babis Apostolides said one man sustained leg injuries, and he had transported him to a nearby hospital, where he received stitches.

"The man was bleeding and was in shock ... fortunately he got medical attention quickly and he's OK," Apostolides told private Alpha television.

He said many people inside the building had been reluctant to leave, because bomb hoaxes at the court are common.

"Police were virtually pulling people out ... there were a sense of panic because the blast was very strong and the dust and smoke was terrible."

Police said the blast knocked down some walls inside the building. A police investigator, who asked not to be identified because he is not authorized to talk to the media, described the damage to the lower part of the building as "extensive."

Court officials said the building will be closed Monday and Tuesday.





The Associated Press


