Greek Lawyers Announce Nationwide Strike Over Gender-Based Violence Bill

Greek lawyers' associations have declared a two-day nationwide strike, scheduled for January 23-24, to protest a controversial new bill aimed at combating gender-based violence.

The legal community argues that the proposed legislation violates constitutional principles, particularly the presumption of innocence, and raises significant concerns about its legal implications.

The call for the strike was issued by a coordinating committee of Greece's bar associations, which expressed disappointment over being excluded from the law's drafting process. The associations argue that, while they support the government’s efforts to address domestic violence, the bill's provisions are deeply flawed.

The bill, introduced to parliament earlier this week, targets forms of abuse not currently covered by existing Greek law, such as revenge porn, cyberstalking, and workplace sexual harassment. It includes harsher penalties for repeat offenders, including imprisonment without suspension, and enhances protections for victims. Notably, it introduces measures to shield minors from online harassment and provides for electronic monitoring and other restrictive measures for perpetrators.

These reforms come in response to growing public awareness of domestic violence in Greece. They follow the government’s 2024 initiative to establish a national shelter network, driven in part by a disturbing rise in reported cases of domestic violence. Police and volunteer organisations have noted a sharp increase in allegations since 2020, linked to greater awareness of available support services.

Despite their general support for the fight against domestic violence, Greece’s legal associations argue that key aspects of the bill contradict fundamental legal principles. "The core provisions of the draft law violate the presumption of innocence, the separation of powers, and the principle of proportionality," stated the coordinating committee in their strike announcement.

This legislation is part of Greece's efforts to align its national laws with a 2024 European Union directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The directive mandates member states to criminalize specific acts, including forced marriages and cyberstalking, and to ensure comprehensive protection and support for victims. Member states are required to incorporate these provisions into national legislation by mid-2027.

The shelter program, which aims to provide safer spaces for victims of domestic violence, was implemented after a high-profile tragedy last year. A 28-year-old woman was tragically murdered outside a police station while seeking protection from her abusive ex-boyfriend, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protective measures.

The strike next week will see lawyers nationwide halt their activities in protest, drawing attention to their concerns over the bill's potential impact on Greece's legal framework.