Fire breaks out at Athens venue where Pëllumb Islami was killed; police suspect arson

A venue in Nea Ionia, Athens, was engulfed in flames in recent hours and suffered almost complete destruction. Extensive material damage was also reported at the three apartments located above it.

The property is the same place where 37-year-old Albanian national Pëllumb Islami was shot dead on February 22, 2023.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Greek authorities have launched an investigation, while police suspect that the flames may have been deliberately set.

So far, the authorities have not disclosed whether today’s incident is linked to Islami’s murder. Investigators are examining whether the fire was accidental or deliberate.

Greek police and investigative teams are collecting evidence at the scene to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the incident.