The event organised by the police officers of Rethymno touches a raw nerve.
Police event for meaningful dialogue
The speakers made it quite clear: crime in Crete is no fairy tale. The police and experts listed a whole range of crimes that occur frequently on the island.
These include gun possession, cattle theft, agricultural damage, cannabis cultivation, drug trafficking and the local “godfathers”. Sounds like a pretty colourful mix, doesn’t it?
One point that stuck: you won’t get very far with mere harshness. Society needs cooperation and honesty, otherwise nothing will change.
Andreas Gyparis, chairman of the Rethymno police union, said the truth lies somewhere between myth and reality. Crete also has this special culture in which some young men like to see themselves as leaders or rebels. So-called “traditions” are trivialised, facilitating the transition from minor offences to serious crime.
The problem with illegal weapons is serious, as is the fact that there is undocumented delinquency that goes unpunished.
They started by showing a short film called “Silence”. It was produced by the police union and paid for by the regional government of Crete.
The film shows how the community often prefers to remain silent rather than talk about crimes. This silence only makes the problems worse.
Scientists such as Nikos Papadakis and Giorgos Papakonstantis emphasised that prevention and intervention by society are crucial. Politicians should really try out new strategies that do not rely solely on punishment.
Manousos Klados, editor-in-chief of the newspaper Rethymnos, led the discussion. Representatives of local authorities were also present and said that the issue must finally be addressed openly and honestly.
They honoured the memory of Stathis Lazaridis
At the event, participants also remembered Stathis Lazaridis. He was a prominent figure who championed safety and order in Crete and was fatally injured in a police operation in November 2007.
The police union and many of those present paid tribute to his commitment. His memory reminds us how important it is to stand up for a safe society.
The tribute made it clear that behind police work are people who often risk a great deal for the community.
Topic | Content |
|---|---|
Origin of the discussion | Discussion of the reality and myth of crime |
Key speakers | Andreas Gyparis, Nikos Papadakis, Giorgos Papakonstantis |
Main issues | Gun ownership, cattle theft, drug trafficking, youth culture |
Approaches to solutions | Cooperation, prevention, public dialogue |
Film to set the mood | ‘Silence’ – raises awareness of social problems |
Tribute | Commemoration of Stathis Lazaridis, symbol of commitment |
The event made it clear that the issue of crime in Crete leaves no one indifferent. It provided a space for honest discussions – and perhaps also for new ideas.
