Akriti statement on death of 20-year-old in Argos from police gunfire
SYRIZA MP Elena Akriti condemns the bloody outcome of the pursuit in Argos and rejects any justification for police violence.
Akriti statement on death of 20-year-old in Argos from police gunfire
Equality and Rights sectoral head of SYRIZA, Elena Akriti, publicly commented on the death of a young man, aged 20, in Argos, who was shot dead by police bullets. The Member of Parliament made clear that the incident will not be treated as just another piece of news that will fade into the background.
According to Naftemporiki, Ms Akriti rejected any attempt to justify the use of lethal force with arguments of the type "he was running", "he did not obey" or "he must have done something". She emphasised that in a democratic system, human life is not simply taken away merely because a person did not comply with orders.
"The police are not a court. Police officers are neither judges nor executioners. They have a duty to apprehend, not to dispense justice whilst holding a weapon," she stated characteristically.
The MP warned that anyone who attempts to legitimise violent repression or seeks accountability where it does not exist undermines the rule of law and erodes the institutions of democracy. "When a society becomes accustomed to considering it normal for the state to kill its citizens, then social degeneration has knocked on our door. Are we opening it?", she asked.
Ms Akriti also referred to the victim's autism, emphasising that this condition in itself does not preclude obtaining a driving licence. As she explained, Greek legislation examines whether the candidate meets the minimum requirements of physical and mental ability for safe driving, following a prescribed medical assessment.
Source: Naftemporiki
Source: Naftemporiki