The arrests took place in Avlonas, in the Peloponnese peninsula, and two other towns in the area of Menidi (west) amid suspicions about alleged intentionality behind the fires.

The Minister of Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias, denounced a “criminal pattern” and warned that the different institutions are collaborating to identify and arrest the criminals.

The fires have so far caused the death of at least 20 persons and affected areas ranging from the vicinity of the border with Türkiye to the outskirts of the capital.

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