Crete Family Feud Turns Deadly, Prompting Greece to Strengthen Gun Control
# Deadly Family Feud in Crete Highlights Greece's Gun Control Challenges
A violent clash between two families on the Greek island of Crete has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sparked a national debate over gun control. The incident occurred in the mountainous village of Vorizia, located in the southern part of the island, on Saturday, November 1st.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), the conflict began when an under-construction house belonging to one of the families was destroyed by explosives just hours before the shooting. The ensuing gunfight claimed the lives of a 56-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man, who were members of the feuding families. Additionally, ten people were injured in the crossfire.
In response to the tragedy, the Greek government has announced plans to tighten firearm regulations. Michalis Chrisochoidis, the Minister for Citizen Protection, revealed on Friday, November 7th, that illegal possession of firearms will now be classified as a felony, rather than a misdemeanor. Furthermore, all existing gun permits nationwide will be subject to review.
The government has also dispatched over 200 additional police officers to Crete to address various criminal activities, including weapons smuggling, cannabis cultivation, and livestock theft. The deployment of armed police units to the region aims to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence.
Local authorities have arrested several individuals in connection with the Vorizia shooting, but many of the weapons used in the incident remain unaccounted for. These include shotguns and at least one AK-47 assault rifle. The inability to recover these firearms highlights the pervasive issue of illegal gun ownership in Crete.
Crete, the largest island in Greece and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean, has a long-standing tradition of celebrating events such as weddings, baptisms, and festivals with gunfire. However, this cultural practice has often been linked to instances of family vendettas and disputes over matters of honor. Just last October, a 23-year-old man fatally shot a 52-year-old individual during a celebration in a western Cretan village.
The problem of illegal firearms in Greece is not confined to Crete. A June report by the Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime estimated that there could be up to one million illegal weapons within the country. The illicit arms trade in Greece is reportedly controlled by organized crime groups from Russia, Georgia, and Albania.
The recent bloodshed in Vorizia has underscored the urgent need for stricter gun control measures in Greece. While the government's decision to enhance firearm regulations is a step in the right direction, addressing the deeply ingrained cultural attitudes toward guns will likely require a more comprehensive approach.