ATHENS – “Unlawful actions will not be tolerated… there will be accountability for any responsibility found, down to the last iota,” Hellenic Police spokesperson Theodoros Chronopoulos made clear in an official announcement on Friday. The statement concerned the recent events on the islands of Lesvos and Chios and the behaviour of riot police, including images and videos that went viral and dealt a blow to the prestige of the Greek police force:

“The Headquarters of the Hellenic Police on Thursday announced that all behaviours and actions that are linked to the events on Lesvos and Chios will be investigated quickly and in depth.

“There will be accountability for any responsibility found, down to the last iota.

“Unlawful actions will not be tolerated. However difficult the conditions that they face, whatever they have been subjected to, police officers have a uniform and a mission.

“The orders of the political leadership and the intentions of the natural leadership of the Force are clear and express. The decisions that need to be taken will be taken calmly, with dedication to the mission of the Force and full awareness of the difficulties facing the country, the police force and police officers, in unprecedented conditions in which the rule of law in being questioned.”