The prosecutor of Greece’s highest court the Supreme Court or Arios Pagos, Konstantinos Tzavellas has instructed prosecutors to intervene in cases where offenses that the law requires authorities to prosecute ex officio – that is, automatically, even without a complaint from a victim – are committed during the farmers’ protests across the country.
The decision comes on Tuesday, a day after farmers in Crete threw stones and beat police officers, while they overturned a patrol vehicle, and they prepare to block access to the port of Volos, tomorrow, Wednesday, despite government’s objections.
In his directive, Tzavellas highlights the increasing “intentional disruption of traffic safety,” noting that roads have been obstructed through the placement and maintenance of obstacles, as well as through other actions that pose significant dangers to public safety.
He further underscores that obstructing or disrupting the operation of transportation services – such as ships, airplanes, and buses – constitutes a “parallel crime,” stressing the importance of protecting the uninterrupted functioning of transport infrastructure. These services, he noted, are essential public goods intended for common use and of significant value to society.
The prosecutor’s order also reminds investigative officers that they are required to conduct all necessary investigative actions to verify alleged offenses and identify perpetrators even before receiving instructions from a prosecutor, since these crimes must be pursued ex officio. In such cases, officers must notify the prosecutor immediately and submit all reports without delay.
The directive comes amid escalating protests by farmers, whose blockades have recently disrupted major highways, border crossings, ports and airports, daily kathimerini reported.
No matter the prosecutor’s orders, with over 25,000 tractors on the roads farmers are determined to continue their protests and are getting ready to launch the blockade of the port of Volos in central Greece, tomorrow, Wednesday. With support of fishermen, the blockade is planned by land and sea.
“They can come and arrest us,” is the farmer’s message to the government.
