A stricter framework for those who illegally possess weapons, fire celebratory shots at events or other venues, and are involved in arms trafficking, drug dealing, and livestock theft was announced yesterday by Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis. From the “House of Culture” in Rethymno, the minister made clear that the law will be enforced “harshly and uncompromisingly,” emphasizing that the criminal consequences for violators will be severe.
“I will be here, in Crete, as many times as necessary. Society is more mature than ever, it must be understood that weapons are not toys, nor symbols of superiority and masculinity,” the Minister of Citizen Protection emphasized at the beginning of his speech. The operational strategy of the Hellenic Police in Crete is changing and new objectives have now been set. Specifically, there will be an intensification of surveillance and control mechanisms at the country’s entry points to detect arms dealers. Emphasis will be placed on the region, especially at the ports of Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia with targeted inspections. Specialized investigations into trafficking flows, namely in containers, trucks, and other means of transport, in an effort to put a brake on the mass transportation of weapons and ammunition. Until now, only the possession of military rifles was a felony. However, now the possession of pistols, revolvers, and even knives at events, gatherings, or in any public space constitutes a criminal act.
Government measures against illegal weapons possession
But what are the measures announced by Michalis Chrysochoidis? In detail:
Imprisonment and fines for celebratory gunfire
According to what was announced by Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, penalties for illegal possession and purposeless use of weapons are being tightened. Specifically, he mentioned that celebratory gunfire is now punished with imprisonment of at least 2 years and a monetary fine of €1,000 – €30,000. Henceforth, business owners or organizers who allow them also bear criminal responsibility, with the same penalties and the possibility of sealing the establishment.
Police subdirectorate established in Messara
Michalis Chrysochoidis characterized the establishment of a Police Subdirectorate in Messara as decisive. “It will be headquartered in Moires. Its structure, in addition to the TAE Messaras and the Police Departments of Phaistos and Viannos, includes three new operational teams. The first for investigation, solving cases, and filing reports, the second DIAS Team, and the third for traffic. This is a service with a wide scope of action, covering several tourist areas as well as remote villages, such as Vorizia and other mountainous areas.
The organized crime subdirectorate of Crete
A total of five departments staffed with over 100 police officers will be available to the Organized Crime Subdirectorate of Crete. It will essentially be equivalent to the service that exists in Thessaloniki and will have increased responsibilities due to Crete’s particularities. The service will include departments for Drug Enforcement, Combating Special Criminal Activities, Combating Human and Goods Trafficking, Economic Crimes, and Intelligence-Administrative Support. Almost all police officers serving in the unit will be officers from outside Crete.
Prosecutor for vendettas and disputes
As parapolitika.gr had revealed, there will now be immediate activation of police services and a Misdemeanor Prosecutor in case there is information about the revival of an old vendetta, or the start of a dispute between families or generally any dispute that might escalate. “Vorizia-type incidents must not happen again,” emphasized Mr. Chrysochoidis, and for this reason police and judicial authorities will move preemptively to prevent bad situations, proceeding with confiscations of legal weapons, searches, while using every kind of procedural possibility to prevent the escalation of disputes.
“Voluntary disarmament” activated
Extensive operations in homes, businesses, private properties, and other spaces were announced by the minister, in an attempt to locate the vast arsenal that appears to be in the possession of thousands of Cretans. Moreover, as he emphasized, whoever surrenders their weapons will not face criminal liability. Specifically, the new law characteristically states: “Anyone who surrenders their weapons within 4 months of the law’s publication remains unpunished for the crime of illegal weapons possession.”
Prime minister’s commitment to new moves against weapons possession
“The interventions we announce today for tightening legislation on weapons possession are concrete actions, specifying the Prime Minister’s commitment and expressing the Government’s collective will. Above all, however, I believe we express the will of the Greek people and its vast majority, which clearly opposes illegal and uncontrolled weapons possession,” Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasized in his statements.
