A 44-year-old Norwegian tourist stands accused of murder and attempted murder following a fatal stabbing in a Thessaloniki bar early Thursday morning. The incident, which unfolded near the city's main police station, left a 32-year-old Greek police officer dead and his friend injured.
According to initial reports, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the suspect and the officer's friend over "a trivial matter." The situation escalated, and the Norwegian allegedly pulled out a small knife, reportedly carried for self-defence. He first stabbed the officer's friend in the leg before fatally wounding the officer himself in the throat.
The suspect was quickly apprehended by responding officers and is currently being held in police custody. He claims to have limited memory of the incident due to alcohol consumption and has expressed remorse for the outcome. Authorities are investigating whether the suspect's claims of psychological struggles played any role in the tragedy.
"This is a senseless tragedy that has left a young officer dead and another family devastated," said a spokesperson for the Thessaloniki Police Department. "We are committed to a thorough investigation to determine the full details of this incident and bring justice to those affected."
The victim, identified as Konstantinos Papadopoulos, was an off-duty officer at the time of the attack. His death has sent shockwaves through the local community and the Greek police force.
"Konstantinos was a dedicated officer and a beloved friend," said a colleague of Papadopoulos. "This loss is unimaginable, and we stand with his family during this difficult time."
The Norwegian Embassy in Greece has yet to comment on the case. The suspect's identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues.
This tragic incident highlights the potential for violence to erupt from seemingly minor altercations. It also raises questions about the availability and use of knives, particularly for self-defence purposes.
As the investigation unfolds, the city of Thessaloniki mourns the loss of a young officer and awaits further details surrounding this shocking and unexpected crime.