Greece
Greece has detailed provisions on terrorism in its Criminal Code. A new Code entered into force in 2019.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Article 187A of the Criminal Code specifically addresses terrorist acts as certain predicate offences that are committed in such a way, to such an extent, or under such conditions, that it is possible to seriously harm a country or an international organization. This is so, where the purpose is either seriously to intimidate a population or unlawfully to compel a public authority or an international organization to perform or to abstain from performing an action or to cause serious harm to or even destroy the fundamental constitutional, political, or economic structures of a country or of an international organization.
The predicate offences include the following:
- intentional homicide
- the causing of severe physical injury
- abduction and kidnapping of minors
- causing of significant damage to a third party’s property
- arson
- causing a flood
- causing an explosion
- causing a shipwreck
- contamination of water supplies and food
- disruption of transportation.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Greece is a State Party to most of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | Signatory |
Greece is also a State Party to the primary European treaty on terrorism only.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1977 European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 2003 Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | Signatory |
| 2005 Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | Signatory |
| 2015 Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism | Signatory |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The sentences provided for the perpetration of terrorist offences in the Criminal Code range from at least one year’s imprisonment to life imprisonment.
Dimitris Koufontinas, a leader of the domestic terrorist group "17 November", is currently serving multiple life sentences for terrorist and other criminal offences.
Greece has also passed legislation in accordance with a European Union directive that criminalizes terrorist travel and ensures the provision of medical assistance to victims of terror.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Greece has a dedicated counterterrorism capacity within its police, the Hellenic Police. The unit is called the Special Suppressive Antiterrorist Unit, which is under the Directorate of Special Police Forces.
Glossary
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