Cablegate: Bird-Carrying Bank Robber Linked to the Left

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RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA
RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHTH #1994 2771400
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 041400Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0446
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS ATHENS 001994

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV GR
SUBJECT: BIRD-CARRYING BANK ROBBER LINKED TO THE LEFT

1. (SBU) On October 3, Greek media devoted surprising
attention to a minor bank robbery. The inept thief
apparently stopped by a local open-air market on the way to
his crime. Having purchased some groceries and a caged bird,
he placed them on his bicycle and proceeded -- with
unidentified accomplices -- to rob a nearby bank. He and his
accomplices reportedly carried hand grenades and weapons
during the robbery. Exiting the bank with his loot, the
bird-toting robber then made his two-wheeled escape. A
passing civilian pursued him on foot, notifying police by
mobile phone. The police easily identified him, arresting
him at a nearby intersection.

2. (SBU) The real news was his identity: George Voutsis,
the son of Nikos Voutsis, a prominent member of the small
parliamentary party Leftist Alliance. George Voutsis
reportedly has a history of involvement in anarchist
activities. Leftist Alliance -- which traditionally does not
condemn anarchist activity -- is keeping a low profile. To
date, it has issued no statements on the arrest.
COUNTRYMAN

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