Stricter punishment for domestic violence

In the latest effort to tackle the phenomenon of abuse and violence that has seemingly reached alarming proportions, Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis announced a new package of legislative measures on Thursday with drastic changes to existing laws to protect victims, and provisions stipulating severe punishment of perpetrators. 

The new measures, the product of months of legislative work involving senior judges, will soon be submitted for a vote in Parliament.

Among others, the measures provide for pre-trial detention for felony incidents of domestic violence. Release with restrictive conditions such as a bracelet and house arrest is to be allowed only in exceptional cases.

Sentences for perpetrators of domestic violence offenses are served without parole and cannot be commuted in any way. Moreover, the referral for trial shall be made shortly after the...