Parliament is seen during a debate on whether to investigate two former agriculture ministers, based on the findings of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office of large-scale fraud in the OPEKEPE subsidies agency. [InTime News]
A new amendment introduces stricter measures and penalties for the illegal possession, use and transport of firearms and explosives, Greek authorities said.
The law establishes preventive measures in cases of disputes between people with specific characteristics, including family ties, race, religion, national or ethnic origin and cultural, educational, or local factors. Prosecutors, following a police report, may order the surrender of legal weapons and require individuals to maintain a distance from others involved in a dispute. These measures last six months but can be extended or modified depending on the case.
The amendment prohibits inciting others to illegally procure or use firearms, or advertising such actions. It also allows individuals to avoid criminal liability by voluntarily surrendering weapons within a specified period.
Penalties for illegal firearms possession and use have been increased. Late application for a hunting gun license can result in fines up to ten times the original amount. Carrying weapons in public places such as armed forces facilities, police stations, correctional or juvenile detention centers, schools, sports arenas, religious sites, airports, ports or public transport can lead to imprisonment of up to eight years and fines of 20,000 to 100,000 euros.
Unnecessary shootings and illegal use of explosives carry a minimum two-year prison sentence and fines of 2,000 to 50,000 euros. Health care store owners and event organizers who fail to notify authorities after such incidents face up to two years in prison and fines of 1,000 to 30,000 euros.
Incitement to illegally procure or use firearms is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines of 1,000 to 30,000 euros. If directed at a minor, the sentence rises to at least two years and fines of 10,000 to 50,000 euros. Online offenses or acts committed for profit carry harsher penalties of up to eight years and fines of 20,000 to 100,000 euros.
Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasized that the penalties now cover all types of firearms, including pistols, revolvers and combat rifles. Specifically, illegal possession, transport, or facilitation of combat rifles, machine guns, submachine guns, hand grenades, heavy weapons or artillery weapons is punishable by imprisonment and fines of 30,000 to 150,000 euros.