Defense Minister Panos Kammenos asked for the severe punishment of seven Greek army recruits of Albanian origin who were photographed inside the camp making the sign of the eagle on the Albanian flag.
The picture of the soldiers appeared in social media, causing an outcry. Other than the fact that the young men showed total disrespect for the country they serve, there is the issue that recruits are not allowed to carry mobile phones, cameras, or computers and take pictures.
The Greek Army is conducting an investigation on the soldiers making the symbol of Albanian irredentism. There is also the issue of the recruit who took the picture. The soldiers were drafted a few days ago at the Messolongi boot camp to serve in the 3/39 Evzones Regiment. They have not been sworn in yet.
Army regulations dictate that the soldiers should be court-martialed and face up to five years in prison. However, the fact that they have not been sworn in complicates matters. The Army General Staff is investigating the incident and the Defense Minister has asked for the severe punishment of the soldiers.
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