Following the recent deadly shootout in a Cretan village, which was widely reported as a potential vendetta escalation, the Greek government, through Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, has announced a package of stricter measures targeting illegal weapon possession and use on the island of Crete, alongside a major boost to police presence.
The new policy aims to combat organized crime, deter reckless public gunfire, and overhaul weapon licensing on the island.
Key measures regarding weapons following the vendetta on Crete
The government is moving to stiffen penalties for firearms offenses significantly:
- Felony status for illegal possession: Simple illegal possession or transport of a firearm (specifically including pistols and revolvers) will now be classified as a felony offense (κακούργημα).
- Mandatory 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders: Any individual convicted of a weapons law violation who commits another similar offense within 10 years faces a mandatory 10-year prison sentence. This sentence must be served, and any appeal filed will not have a suspensive effect (meaning the sentence begins immediately).
- Aggravating circumstances: The law will expand the definition of aggravating circumstances to include the use of weapons during crimes like livestock theft, extortion, and unlawful violence. In these cases, the entire sentence must be served. This expands an existing provision that applies to drug trafficking and weapon use.
- Preventative measures: Prosecutors will be given the authority to take preventative measures (such as prohibiting communication) when there is a risk to life or a specific threat to individuals or groups.
- Licensing overhaul: The framework for issuing firearms licenses will be re-examined, and all existing sport shooting licenses will be reviewed. This is driven by concern that some individuals are misusing these licenses to acquire thousands of rounds of ammunition, a problem identified on Crete.
- Amnesty for voluntary surrender: A special provision will offer non-prosecution for individuals who voluntarily surrender their illegal weapons in anticipation of the comprehensive, island-wide police sweeps to follow.
- Banning the “balothies” custom: The tradition of firing celebratory shots (μπαλωθιές) in public spaces, which often occurs at social events, will be specifically targeted. The provision concerning the bearing or use of weapons in public places is being expanded to explicitly cover social gatherings such as weddings and trade fairs.
Increased police presence on Crete
Minister Chrysochoidis announced concrete steps to strengthen the state’s operational capacity on the island.
The existing branch of the police service focused on combating organized crime (often referred to as the “Greek FBI“) on Crete will be upgraded to a Sub-Directorate. This move will provide it with additional resources to become fully operational and effective. The Minister sent a clear message: “Thugs and local mafias will not run Crete.”
He asserted that the government will not allow criminal activity to tarnish the region, stating, “The cup has overflowed.”
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