Chrisochoidis: Legal entry must not be obstructed—violators will face arrest

Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis issued a firm warning on Thursday night, stating that anyone attempting to prevent foreign nationals from legally entering Greece will be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution under the country’s anti-racism laws.

Speaking in an interview with Action24 TV, Chrisochoidis addressed a recent incident involving Israeli tourists aboard a cruise ship that docked in the port of Syros, where protestors reportedly attempted to block their entry.

“Anyone who attempts to prevent a third-country national from legally entering the country will face prosecution, arrest, and then criminal proceedings under the anti-racism law,” Chrisochoidis stressed.

While acknowledging the public’s right to protest, the minister drew a clear line between peaceful demonstrations and acts of discrimination.

“In our democratic state, we have a Constitution, and citizens have the right to protest,” he noted. “Over the past year and a half, there have been 522 demonstrations related to Gaza across Greece—from Syntagma Square to the Israeli embassy. These are lawful expressions of public sentiment.”

However, Chrisochoidis condemned actions that he said crossed into racism and vigilantism.

“When citizens go down to the port acting like ‘guards’ and in a racist manner urge others not to enter the country, that is unacceptable,” he said. “This behavior constitutes a racist attack.”

The minister emphasized that such incidents will be dealt with decisively.

“This is a full application of the anti-racism law. In this particular case, prosecutors should have made arrests and pressed charges. And let me be clear—should similar incidents occur in the future, there will be arrests. The law will be enforced.”

The statement marks a strong reaffirmation of Greece’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring equal treatment for all visitors, regardless of nationality.