FLASH
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A bomb exploded in the hands of Savvas Xiros in Piraeus, initiating investigations that led to the arrest of the leaders and members of the terrorist organization "November 17" and the end of its activity after 27 years...
On June 28, 2002, an explosion at the port of Piraeus marked the beginning of the end for the Greek terrorist organization "November 17", which had operated for nearly three decades, carrying out assassinations, bombings and murders.
The incident occurred when a homemade tool exploded in the hands of Savvas Xiros, near the ticket offices of the Hellenic Flying Dolphins company. Seriously injured, Xiros was taken to hospital, while Greek authorities launched an investigation that soon led to crucial discoveries.
During the searches, police seized weapons, explosives, the organization's communications and its flag. Among the important evidence was the service revolver of police officer Christos Matis, taken after his murder in 1984.
A little later, the organization's secret base at 84 Patmou Street, in the Patisia neighborhood of Athens, was also discovered. Inside, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, propaganda materials and other evidence were found that strengthened the investigative case against the group's members.
Authorities also seized a .45 caliber pistol, which was not the weapon known as the "historical 45", used according to investigations in some of the organization's most important assassinations and which has not yet been found.
These developments were followed by numerous arrests. Alexandros Giotopoulos, known by the pseudonym "Lambros", was arrested on the island of Lipsi, while Vasilis Tzortzatos and Theologos Psaradellis were located in the Hiliadou area of Evia. Other arrests were made in Athens, Thessaloniki and Epirus.
The process ended on September 5, 2002, when Dimitris Koufontinas voluntarily surrendered to the General Directorate of Security of Attica. According to the authorities, he declared that he assumed political responsibility for the organization's activities, marking the closing of a long chapter of terrorism in Greece.
The "November 17" organization began its activities on December 23, 1975, with the assassination of Richard Welch, a CIA officer in Athens. During its 27 years of activity, the organization was held responsible for the murder of 23 people. Its dismantling is considered one of the most important successes of the Greek authorities in the fight against terrorism.
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