'Anarchist safe houses' raided

Five suspected radical anarchists were arrested in Athens after authorities seized weapons, ammunition and computer hard-drives from suspected safe houses, police said yesterday.

Four men were arrested during the raids and will be charged with taking part in an arson attack in Thessaloniki last year, based on outstanding arrest warrants, police said.

A fifth suspect, identified as a 27-year-old German woman, would be charged together with the four Greek men. Police discovered a handgun and an automatic rifle, along with 220 bullets, during the raids.

On Monday, suspected members of armed anarchist group Conspiracy Nuclei of Fire go on trial on terrorism charges related to a string of attacks with small bombs on Greek politicians, which caused no injuries and minor damage. The group is linked to a spate of parcel bombings against embassies in Athens and European government officials in November.