High Murder Rates
Visitors to Greece are often surprised by the high number of murders reported in the country. Many find the statistics hard to believe because the number of homicides is much higher than in most other European countries. Ordinary crimes, such as theft or dishonesty, are not widespread, but violent deaths, attempts on life, and mysterious deaths occur frequently. In fact, murders happen almost every day in some areas, which shocks travelers given the level of civilization in Greece.
In the province of Attica, where Athens is located, the average annual rate of homicide is nearly one per 1,000 people. This is significant because Attica is the center of learning, education, and government in Greece. It is also the headquarters of the national police Private Guided Turkey Tours.
Political Causes of Violence
Much of the violence in Greece is linked to politics. People often argue, and disagreements can quickly turn deadly. Although the government has forbidden carrying concealed weapons, the law is not strictly enforced. Knives and revolvers are commonly worn as part of traditional dress. Even Greeks who wear modern clothing often carry weapons in hip pockets.
Knife Fights and Hospital Visits
When two Greeks quarrel, the first action is often to draw their knives. Unless friends or bystanders intervene immediately, the fight usually results in serious injury or death. The hospitals of Athens, which are modern and well-equipped, frequently treat patients injured in these disputes. During periods of political tension, hospital wards can become very busy due to knife wounds and other injuries.
The Vendetta Tradition
If a man is killed in a quarrel, it often begins a vendetta, a cycle of revenge that may last for years. The unwritten law in Greece, similar to traditions in Corsica and Sicily, often demands that a life be repaid with a life. Families may continue the feud until multiple graves are filled, following the rules of honor and revenge deeply rooted in local culture Newspapers and Public Opinion in Athens.
While Greece is a country of beauty, culture, and learning, it also faces challenges with violent crime, especially murders. Political disputes, the tradition of carrying weapons, and the practice of vendettas contribute to the high level of violence. Visitors are often shocked by these facts, but they reveal a society where ancient customs and modern governance coexist in complex ways.
