Supreme Court Prosecutor orders swift action against farmer road blockades

Greece’s Supreme Court prosecutor has instructed prosecutors nationwide to take immediate action against road blockades and traffic disruptions linked to ongoing farmer protests, reiterating that an earlier directive must be enforced.

Supreme Court Prosecutor Konstantinos Tzavellas on Wednesday called on local prosecutors to intervene without delay in cases involving road closures and highway blockades staged by farmers and livestock breeders.

The order calls for an assessment of possible criminal offences, including endangering road safety and violations of traffic laws, arising from the continued obstruction and occupation of roadways, which may be treated as continuing offences.

Prosecutors were told to identify those responsible, bring criminal charges and refer cases to the competent courts using expedited or standard procedures, depending on the circumstances.

Farmers have staged nationwide protests for weeks over delayed subsidies, rising production costs and other grievances, with tractors blocking major roads and key junctions.

The government on Wednesday announced a package of measures aimed at easing tensions but warned that no further concessions would be offered, leaving the next steps to the farmers.