The Problem of Illegal Firearms in Crete and Greece: Analysing the Current Challenges.
A troubling aspect of Crete’s social fabric is the proliferation of illegal firearms.
It is reported that there are more guns than people on the island, with estimates suggesting at least one million firearms in circulation.
This situation fosters an environment where the potential for violence escalates.
Public safety is compromised when illegal weapons are easily accessible, leading to increased anxiety and fear within communities.
Public Events and Gun Violence
Crete also stands out as a region where bringing firearms to public gatherings, accompanied by celebratory gunfire, is distressingly common.
Citizens often attend events knowing that weapons might be present, putting their lives and the lives of their families at risk.
This practice reflects deeper social issues related to norms around masculinity, honour, and conflict resolution. It discourages healthy relationships and engenders fear rather than community engagement.
Like in a war zone with Kalashnikov fire in Zoniána (Rethmyno) during Easter mass:
The Problem of Illegal Firearms in Crete and Greece: Analysing the Current Challenges
In recent years, Greece has experienced a substantial proliferation of firearms. An alarming number of these are unregistered. Authorities estimate that every second gun circulating in the country is not declared to the authorities, making it illegal.
This situation is particularly pronounced in urban areas like Athens, where numerous gangs operate. It is also prevalent on the rural island of Crete, where many still cling to the belief that owning a gun is essential for a household’s protection.
It is believed that the cache of undeclared firearms in Greece could approach a million. Many of these are hunting shotguns kept by owners either for personal security reasons or simply due to oversight in registration. In Greece, the law mandates that hunting gun licenses are valid only for ten years before requiring renewal.
Illegal weapons on Crete: alarming increase in arrests in 2024
The recent changes in the legislation surrounding firearm possession and usage are a response to the rising incidents reported across the country. The Greek Minister for Citizen Protection has clarified that new measures will implement a minimum sentence of one year without suspension for individuals caught with a weapon for the second time. This approach aims to deter repeat offenders and reinforce the seriousness of such violations.
In an effort to tackle the increasing number of breaches related to gun laws, the Ministry of Citizen Protection is tightening penalties. Under the new regulations, mandatory imprisonment will occur for anyone apprehended a second time for carrying or using a weapon.
Statistical data from Crete indicate a concerning trend: arrests related to weapon offences have surged by over 20% during the first nine months of 2024, compared to the previous year, with only Rethymno showing a decrease. According to the figures provided by the Greek Police (ELAS), the total number of arrests for violations of weapons laws from January to November 2024 was 677, rising from 549 during the same period in 2023.
Arrests by Regional Unity:
- Chania: Increased from 116 to 221 arrests
- Rethymno: Decreased from 120 to 92 arrests
- Heraklion: Rose from 267 to 289 arrests
- Lasithi: Ascended from 45 to 67 arrests
This legislative change, as explained by Michalis Chrysochoidis, also addresses issues related to individuals found with knives, multitools, or stilettos. The objective includes curbing youth violations that have become increasingly associated with firearm possession in recent years.
Legal experts stress that the goal is not just to fill prisons but to shift societal attitudes. They differentiate between weapon possession and carrying, particularly in areas like Crete, where a crackdown on carrying could help reduce the problem while still allowing responsible ownership.
Example of a Weapons Arsenal Find
An example of a significant weapons seizure occurred when authorities unearthed a cache of firearms and ammunition, which underscored the extent of illegal weapons possession in some regions. Such discoveries often raise alarms about the potential risks posed to the community.
Law enforcement officers reported finding an array of weapons, including handguns, automatic rifles, and various types of ammunition. This incident reflects broader concerns regarding illegal armaments and their implications for crime rates.
With ongoing investigations targeting such illegal activities, the authorities continue to engage in proactive measures to identify and intercept illegal weapon stocks. The results of these operations have been crucial in not only making arrests but also in addressing the root of firearm-related crime.
The regulation of firearms remains a hotly debated topic in Crete, with ongoing legislative discussions indicating a desire for more comprehensive solutions that balance public safety with responsible ownership. As societal challenges evolve, the responsiveness of legislative frameworks will play a vital role in shaping regional safety and security.
How to Obtain a Shotgun Licence
In Greece, applying for a shotgun licence requires several critical steps. An applicant must first provide proof of identity, which is typically done by submitting a police-issued identification card.
Additional documentation from medical professionals is also necessary to ensure the applicant’s mental and physical fitness to handle firearms. This includes a psychiatrist and a general practitioner.
Upon supplying the required documents, the local Police Department will carry out a thorough background check by issuing a Type A criminal record certificate for the individual.
Nowadays, the initial application can also be completed online through Gov.gr, streamlining the process.
Once the background check is complete, an applicant can receive a Gun Purchase Licence, essential before acquiring any hunting firearm.
With this licence, the individual can proceed to purchase a hunting shotgun from a store or a second-hand one from a private seller. In the case of a private sale, a sworn statement from the seller affirming the authenticity of the signature, along with the seller’s existing gun licence, must be presented.
After purchasing the shotgun, the applicant should return to the Police Department with:
- Two passport-size photographs
- The acquired Gun Purchase Licence
- The Purchase Invoice for the hunting gun (or for second-hand purchases, the seller’s sworn statement and the seller’s previous Gun Licence)
- A €3 fee receipt, which may either be physically presented or shown online if payment was made digitally
The licensing process does not require an additional medical certificate or criminal record copy if the applicant already possesses a licence for another hunting firearm and three years have not elapsed since its issuance.
However, possessing a licence strictly implies ownership rights, not the freedom to carry or use the shotgun in any manner or place. The gun must be safely stored, ideally in a locked cabinet, away from unauthorised access. For those seeking to actively engage in hunting or sport shooting, the next advised step is to join a shooting club.
Proper training will familiarise aspiring hunters or sport shooters with the proper use and safety protocols associated with firearms.
See also: Gun law and hunting
The Current Situation with Firearms
In the arena of small arms, where the firing chamber is integrated with the barrel, the climate is particularly troubling. These weapons are frequently utilised in criminal and terrorist operations, with perpetrators sourcing them from underground networks.
These networks predominantly import firearms from countries like Serbia, Kosovo, Turkey, Albania, and Bulgaria. Recent reports indicate that these illicit arms are also being trafficked from depots used in the Ukrainian conflict.
- Main Sources of Illegal Pistols and Handguns:
- Serbia
- Kosovo
- Turkey
- Albania
- Bulgaria
- Ukrainian military stockpiles
Authorities are especially concerned about the types of firearms that are entering the illegal market:
- Automatic Weapons and Assault Rifles: Such as the infamous AK-47, largely forbidden for civilian usage.
- Revolvers and Pistols: With a potentially high rate of use in crimes.
The illegal weapons trade serves not just organised crime groups but also feeds into a larger network of global concerns, impacting trade and international relations.
The manufacturing and transfer of illegal firearms not only undermines legal trade ordinances but also poses a significant threat to public safety.
The challenge is multilayered:
- Illicit Manufacturing: Production of firearms outside of legal frameworks.
- Cross-border Transfers: Smuggling routes facilitate weapon transfers across international borders.
Actions have been taken to tackle the proliferation of such weapons. Enhanced border checks and international cooperation are measures implemented to curb the flow of these arms. Yet, the complexity of the illegal guns market, buoyed by high demand and substantial profit margins, continues to pose significant hindrance to fully containing this issue.
Legal Firearms and Declarations
In Greece, firearms ownership is closely regulated to ensure public safety and adherence to the law.
Citizens are permitted to own and use weapons for purposes such as hunting and self-defence; however, this is subject to stringent regulatory control.
The firearms that are lawfully owned include hunting rifles and handguns, with gun possession needing to adhere to clearly defined regulations.
Firearms Possession:
- Legal gun ownership mandates individuals to be over the age of 18.
- Applicants for gun ownership must satisfy the Hellenic Police that they have a legitimate reason for a firearm and are not a threat to public safety.
- Each firearm must be registered with the authorities, and the owner must hold a valid permit.
Firearms Types and Use:
- The types of guns that can be legally possessed: hunting rifles, pistols for sport shooting, and handguns for self-defence.
- Ownership of automatic weapons and military-grade firearms by civilians is prohibited.
Enforcement and Regulations:
- The Hellenic Police plays an active role in the confiscation of illegal firearms, with numerous weapons seized annually.
- The regulatory framework involves penal codes that outline penalties, which may include fines and imprisonment for unlawful possession or use of firearms.
According to official Greek police figures, a total of 5,005 pistols, 1,509 hunting rifles and 206 military rifles were confiscated in 2021. In contrast, the declared carbines amount to just under one million and the pistols to just over 5,000, including those reported by the Greek Shooting Federation.
Public Protection and Gun Control:
- The emphasis on controlling gun possession through legal channels underlines the Greek Government’s commitment to disarmament and public protection.
- Authorities enforce the law vigorously and have an established procedure for the disposal of confiscated firearms.
