Counterterrorism Policy and Legislation in Greece

Abstract

Counterterrorism legislation and policies in Greece have been fast evolving since 2000. Homegrown terrorism has been a long-standing issue for Greek governments; however, the recent arrest and trial of members of the infamous “17 November” group shed light into the inefficiencies of the legal framework and lack of policy initiatives in the fields of both prevention and repression. This chapter presents and critically analyzes all domestic legislative measures, including the highly controversial 2015 legislative decree aimed at placing under house arrest disabled convicted terrorists, and policy efforts in the fight against terrorism; furthermore, the impact of counterterrorism mechanisms is evaluated in light of the national security context and Greece’s commitment to transnational counterterrorism strategies.