The Greek Bar Association has expressed objections to a Ministry of Justice bill with measures meant to address gender-based violence. 

The Coordinating Committee of the Plenary of the Presidents of the Bar Associations of Greece criticized the legislative process for lacking meaningful consultation due to its timing and the exclusion of legal professionals from the drafting process.

“The bar association unequivocally condemns the phenomena of gender-based and domestic violence, contributes to their effective response and practically supports women victims by providing legal assistance, having signed relevant Cooperation Protocols with the competent State bodies to this end,” began the statement.

“Regarding the bill under consultation, the Coordinating Committee expresses, first of all, its opposition to the fact that it was put up for public consultation during the holiday period and for a short period of time, which does not allow for meaningful participation in the consultation, in violation of the principles of good lawmaking.”

It also pointed out that legal professionals were never invited to participate in the drafting of the bill. 

The Committee expressed concerns over provisions in the bill that amend the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, arguing they violate principles such as the presumption of innocence, proportionality, and constitutional rights, and could lead to misuse of the proposed measures.

The  Coordinating Committee requested request a meeting with the Minister of Justice to present in detail the positions of the bar on the provisions of the bill, and stated they would organize a Pan-Hellenic Online Event on Friday, January 10 with speakers – rapporteurs, distinguished criminologists and academics, in order to inform legal colleagues about the relevant provisions being promoted.

Reports of abuse against women and children by family members skyrocketed in 2024, exceeding 20,000, which is double the number of 2023, according to a report by MEGA tv.

The bill introduced by the Ministry of Justice aims to curb domestic violence through stricter penalties, including:

  • Sentences exceeding two years without suspension or conversion.
  • Expedited trials without the need for formal judicial orders.
  • Creation of a reporting database.
  • For felonies and misdemeanors carrying sentences of at least one year, where restrictive measures are insufficient, house arrest with electronic monitoring or pre-trial detention may be imposed.