Greece has imposed fines worth over four million euros to violators of the lockdown measures and the ban of businesses and shops operations. In order to contain the spread of coronavirus, the government suspended operation of shops and business operations on March 12 and lockdown and movement restrictions on March 23.
“The total amount of fines imposed throughout Greece amounted to 4,253,700 euros” for violations related to the movement restrictions and the suspension of stores and business operation, state news agency amna reports on Sunday.
Suspension of shops and business operations was imposed on March 12 and lockdown on March 23.
Fines to those violating business operations or ordered “house isolation” are at 5,000 euros, fines for lockdown violation at 150 euros.
“The measures aim at protecting the health of citizens and not their punishment”, Greek Police spokesperson Ioanna Rotziokou told amna.
According to amna, from Monday, March 23, until Friday, April 3, a total of 17,358 violations were confirmed throughout the country. The fines of €150 summed up to a total of €2,603,700. Most violations were recorded in Attica, followed by Thessaloniki, the Ionian Islands and Western Greece.
On Saturday, April 4, another 974 violations were recorded, a police statement said. That would mean roughly 146,000 euros in fines. The police statement said also that a total of 20,083 violations have been recorder since March 23. Ti should be recalled that also those who violate ordered “house isolation” are fined and thus with 5,000 euros.
Regarding the stores/business operations, a total of 330 violations have been confirmed between March 12 and April 3, and a fine of 5,000 to each violator was imposed. the total amount reaches 1,650,000
Despite earlier official announcements, that fines revenues will be allocated in order to strengthen the national health system, news agency amna notes that “a significant part of the amount collected from the fines will be allocated in favor of strengthening the national health system.
Imposing lockdown fines does not mean that the state will also certainly collect the money. First: fined citizens have the right to appeal the fine. Second: the fine has to be paid to municipalities or police Third: if the fine is not paid, the owed amount is transferred to the tax office and recorded as debt.
PS When the debtor, who financially suffers from the impact of the coronavirus crisis, will and if at all pay the fine is written in the stars.
I hope this money can be channeled to the Hospitals first of all.