Greece’s Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis addressed the “major crisis” within the Greek prison system. Speaking to SKAI, the Minister attributed the current overcrowding to stricter sentencing laws and aging infrastructure.
“The situation in our prisons is critical,” Chrysochoidis admitted, noting that the newest facility in Drama took nearly a decade to prepare and only became operational a year ago.
To address this, the Minister announced a construction program for eight new correctional facilities. Key updates include:
- Korydallos Relocation: The Korydallos prison is set to move to Aspropyrgos, with completion expected around 2030.
- Regional Expansion: New facilities are planned for Filiates, Ioannina, Megalopolis, and Western Macedonia.
- Electronic Monitoring: In a few days, “electronic tagging” (bracelets) will be launched, allowing those with minor sentences to serve their time under house arrest rather than in a cell.
Greece toughens sentencing laws
Greece has significantly tightened its sentencing laws over the last few years, a move that the Minister of Citizen Protection explicitly linked to the current prison overcrowding crisis.
The most recent and impactful change came with Law 5090/2024, which overhauled the Penal Code to focus on “ending impunity” for minor and medium-level crimes.
Previously, sentences of up to 3 years were often suspended (meaning the person didn’t go to jail if they had a clean record). Under the new law, suspension is now the exception. Sentences between 1 and 2 years must now be served (often via a fine or community service), while sentences between 2 and 3 years require at least some actual time in a correctional facility.
The maximum limit for temporary imprisonment (felonies) was increased from 15 to 20 years. In cases involving multiple crimes (confluence), the maximum term was raised from 20 to 25 years.
Related: Greece Toughens Migration Law With Penalties and Detention
