Police cleared the Thessaloniki Courthouse on Wednesday morning following a phoned threat claiming six kilograms of explosives were hidden in the parking garage. The 10:15 a.m. alert prompted a full evacuation, street closures, and a bomb squad sweep that ultimately proved the warning was a hoax.
Security protocols at the Thessaloniki Courthouse swung into motion shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, when an unknown caller reached a staff member inside the building. The caller claimed that six kilograms of explosives had been planted in the underground parking facility.
Evacuation and Emergency Response at the Thessaloniki Courthouse
Authorities ordered an immediate evacuation of the facility as police cordoned off the surrounding streets. Traffic came to a halt along 26th October Street directly in front of the building, while Polytexneiou Street was also closed to westbound vehicles, Athensvoice.
During the incident at the facility, officials utilized a new public address system to broadcast evacuation orders. Staff, judges, lawyers, and visitors left the building door-to-door while the audio system directed the crowd to follow instructions issued by the Hellenic Police.
Specialized Bomb Squad Sweeps Underground Parking Areas
Strong police details from specialized units rushed to the scene including OPKE, DRASI, DIAS, and ZITA squads. Inside the perimeter, experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department searched the property.
Handlers deployed specially trained dogs to inspect both the judges’ and attorneys’ subterranean parking zones. After conducting exhaustive sweeps, search teams confirmed that no explosive device or suspicious object was found.
All-Clear Given as Normal Operations Resume
With the investigation complete, authorities determined the warning was entirely fabricated. Police lifted the perimeter restrictions, granting the green light for the public to re-enter the Thessaloniki Courthouse.
Traffic restrictions along 26th October Street and Polytexneiou Street were lifted, allowing normal vehicle circulation and judicial operations to resume gradually throughout the surrounding district.