Deputy Citizens’ Protection Minister Manolis Othonas on Sunday announced plans for a special Greek Police service dedicated to the protection of minors throughout Greece.
In statements made in Rethymno, Crete he stressed that the state’s duty was to create an environment of safety for all citizens and especially vulnerable social groups such as children and underage individuals.
Othonas said the new police team will operate on the basis of a specific plan that will cover all aspects of protecting minors and enforcement of laws designed to protect them.
He said the decision was spurred by the sudden death of 16-year-old Stella Akoumianaki from alcohol consumption on Holy Saturday.
“The protection of minors and the role of the State and police services must approach and touch on issues that concern illegal child labour, the verbal and physical abuse of minors and not just be third parties but also within the school environment or by the family itself,” the deputy minister said.
At the same time, he noted that the issue of protecting minors was not just or even mainly a police matter but one that required strong social institutions within the family and at school.