Vandalism of EPAL school in Kalamata

The EPAL school complex at Kalamata Beach was targeted by unknown individuals who caused extensive damage to the facility’s infrastructure and equipment. The vandalism occurred shortly after the completion of major renovations under the ‘Marietta Giannoukou’ program, which involved approximately 916,687 euros in improvements to building safety, painting, and insulation.

The Association of Parents and Guardians of Kalamata Municipality condemned the incident, stating that outsiders entered the premises to destroy classrooms, windows, desks, and interactive boards. The association clarified that the destruction was unrelated to the school community’s legitimate demands for better funding and facilities.

Following an attempted occupation of the school on Monday, September 28, police arrested four students—a 19-year-old and three minors aged 15, 16, and 17—for disrupting school operations. Additionally, three parents were detained for neglect of supervision of minors. Authorities are currently investigating whether these individuals are responsible for the vandalism or if unknown actors exploited the unrest to enter the building.

The ELME Messinias union joined the condemnation of the “barbaric phenomena of vandalism,” noting that such actions are foreign to the student movement. In response to the damage, the Municipality of Kalamata has filed a lawsuit to identify those responsible and seek damages for the destruction of municipal property.