GREECE - A Thessaloniki prosecutor has charged a 27-year-old student for alleged involvement in a string of recent arson attacks by suspected anarchists, police said.
The suspect was charged under strict anti-terrorism laws passed in 2001 to target left-wing extremists and organised crime. He was formally accused ofcommitting acts of terrorism, participation in a criminal group, arson and explosives possession, police said.
If convicted, the postgraduate student faces up to 25 years in prison.
Police said the suspect allegedly took part in an arson attack Monday on a Thessaloniki back lot belonging to a French car dealership - in an apparent show of solidarity with youths rioting in the suburbs of Paris. At least five cars were damaged.
The student is also suspected of involvement in attacks in recent months on a bank ATM and two trucks owned by the state power corporation, police said.
An anarchist group claimed responsibility for the ATM attack.
Anarchist groups frequently carry out arson attacks on banks, government buildings and vehicles in Athens and Thessaloniki.
