Fine up to 150,000 euros for illegal possession of weapons: 2 years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 euros for shooting in the air

Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection introduced new, significantly tougher gun law reform. Now anyone who is found illegal firearmsrisks a fine of 50,000 to 150,000 euros.

At the same time, a new severe punishment is being introduced for “μπαλωθιές” – traditional, but deadly “celebratory shots in the air”,. For such actions it is provided minimum two years in prison and a fine from 2,000 to 50,000 euros.

Serious sanctions are also imposed on the owners or responsible persons of establishments on whose territory such incidents occur. If they do not notify the police or the prosecutor’s office, they face a fine of 1,000 to 30,000 euros, as well as temporary or permanent closure establishments.

Purpose of the law – put an end to the culture of tolerance for weapons, which persists especially in certain areas of Crete, as well as prevent new cases of blood feuds and escalation of conflicts.

Prosecutors gain the right to introduce restrictive measuresif there is a risk that the dispute will escalate into an armed conflict. Among the measures: a ban on approaching certain people or objects, limiting contacts, mandatory reporting to the police and surrendering all legal weapons.

The law provides protection of vulnerable groups and emphasizes that such measures can be applied in situations related to family, ethnic, religious or local conflicts, when there is a threat to life or health.

There is also increased responsibility for invitation, advertisement or solicitation to the illegal acquisition or use of firearms. A penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 euros are introduced. Stricter sanctions are provided in cases of involvement of minors or use of the Internet.

Anyone who has been sentenced to at least one year of imprisonment within the last ten years is considered repeat offender. If recidivist commits a serious crime under weapons legislation, he will receive up to ten years in prison and a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 euros. Such a person sentenced to punishment will serve the sentence without the right to defer the execution of the sentence.

If a repeat offender commits a crime of medium gravity, his punishment is increased by at least one year and may reach the maximum established for this category of offenses.

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