Regarding legislative interventions concerning gun ownership, the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, emphasized that operations are focused on the remote areas of Psiloritis, where, according to him, illegal practices and mindsets have become entrenched.
Mr. Chrysochoidis reiterated that legislative interventions regarding the gun ownership regime are underway, which will be presented in Crete within the coming days, while new specialized services are being created to handle the management and control of weapons and ammunition trafficking. “Mindsets based on tolerance have prevailed. We must uproot them, even as a mentality – from ‘settling scores’ to the way some choose to resolve their differences,” the minister emphasized.
Asked to comment on the police’s initial response in Borizia, the minister noted that it is “utopian” for anyone to think that police officers can prevent vendettas and added that “what we can do is establish prevention and change of mentality. To dismantle the notion that families with money and weapons impose their interests – and we will achieve this.”
Chrysochoidis on phone scams: They come from specific groups – We’ll strike at the heart of the problem
Regarding phone scams, Mr. Chrysochoidis mentioned that “they come from specific directions, such as Roma groups,” adding that police have targeted organized networks, such as the one operating in Zevgolatio, Corinthia. “We will strike at the heart of the problem,” he noted, emphasizing the need to inform citizens.
Chrysochoidis on Polytechnic anniversary: Let reason prevail
Asked to comment on the convictions of Rouvikonas members for hanging a banner at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the minister said: “Why did they have to hang the banner there? To tell us what? Do they represent the people? Did they come to show that they don’t care about the law?”, while on the occasion of the Polytechnic anniversary, he called for “reason to prevail,” saying that “it’s not a celebration for destruction.”
The minister also addressed operations against the so-called Greek Mafia, noting that “the accused create problems for the economy and the country’s image.” As he said, the new competent service has arrested 1,500 people within a year, of which 550 have been remanded in custody. “Murders from two decades that remained unsolved have now been solved. Even new generations of executioners are being eliminated,” he emphasized.
Chrysochoidis on policing Roma areas: Make it clear that no-go zones don’t exist
Finally, regarding policing in areas with Roma populations, Mr. Chrysochoidis noted that “the first step is a stable presence within the settlements, so that it becomes clear that no-go zones don’t exist.”
As he said, implementation of the measure has already begun in Attica, with 120 police officers being deployed to critical areas of Western Attica. “Drugs, weapons, shootings, even those who turn small cars into makeshift ‘clubs’ and disturb residents – all of these have no place in society,” he concluded.
