On 8 July 2023, a police officer fatally shot a 20-year-old Syrian man following a chase near Larissa. Following the incident, the Hellenic Police issued a statement announcing that an investigation had been opened into the incident.
In this particular case, the policeman allegedly used his weapon in violation of the limits set by Greek law: Article 3 par. 7 of the law 3169/2003 (Government Gazette A’ 189/24.7.2003), prohibits the use of weapons to immobilise or neutralise, and against a person fleeing when called upon to stop.
As the Hellenic League for Human Rights pointed out in a statement, the disregard of these conditions on this occasion resulted in the death of a young man. They have urged the government and the judiciary to take responsibility for the upsurge of deadly police violence and arbitrariness and to hold those responsible accountable. According to press reports, the 20-year-old Syrian was driving an agricultural truck, which had been stolen from Galati, Attica. Near a toll station in Larissa, police officers signalled him to stop, but he instead picked up speed, leading to a chase in the direction of Thessaloniki. When the car hit a wall and came to a standstill, the driver tried to escape on foot. One of the policemen involved in the chase then fired a shot, fatally injuring the Syrian.
Under the rule of law, police officers must comply with the legal limits of the use of force, particularly as regards the use of the weapons they carry and under what circumstances they may be used. However, in this case, a police officer allegedly used his firearm in violation of Article 3 para. 7 of Law No. 3169/2003, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old Syrian.
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