In the conference of the Union of Judges and Prosecutors, on the topic “Anti-criminal policy, criminal legislation and Justice”, the head of the Department of Justice, Institutions & Transparency of PASoK, Evangelia Liakoulis, participated representing Nikos Androulakis.
“Our country, especially in recent years, is going through a deep crisis at the level of institutions, with citizens being wary, feeling that the basic principles of the rule of law are being questioned. As recorded in the surveys that have been published, 7 out of 10 citizens do not trust the Justice Department, while low percentages are also recorded of loyalty to the parties and the Police”, Mrs. Liakoulis noted in the context of the conference.
“The Judiciary is called upon to leave its work unaffected”
He added that the search for the causes that have led to this mood of questioning, “concerns us all and especially the political system. The ongoing economic crisis, the increased cost of basic living goods, housing and energy, deeply affect the great majority of Greek society”.
At the same time, as he pointed out, “there is a pervasive sense of inequality towards the powerful economic and business circles, which do not seem to shoulder the burdens that are attributed to them equally, while political scandals follow one another, as we saw happen with the Novartis case, the wiretapping case, the Tempe tragedy.”
“In the midst of this gloomy situation, the Judiciary is called upon to be vigilant and carry out its work unaffected, restoring citizens’ trust in the institutions,” he said.
“We still have a long way to go so that Justice works at a high pace”
As he said, “the major problems in the area of Justice, which pose a barrier to its evolution, the response to modern data and its effective awarding, are well-known and much-discussed. And although their resolution is the spearhead of almost every legislative initiative of the Ministry of Justice, we still have a long way to go so that the Justice in our country operates at the high rates that other European states have achieved”.
Evangelia Liakoulis referred to digitization, staff training, the introduction of new innovative tools, underlining that “they are still pending” and noted that “judiciary employees who retire are twice as many as those who are hired, while the infrastructure is obsolete in many areas of our country. These problems, of course, directly undermine the much-desired acceleration in the administration of justice”, he pointed out.
At the same time, he emphasized that the formation of the appropriate institutional framework on behalf of the State is also in focus. “An institutional framework that will shape an appropriate anti-crime policy, related to modern social conditions that will primarily serve the goal of prevention.”
“Continuous announcements and the introduction of new tightening of penalties are not enough”
The responsible head of PAOSK noted that “incidents of violence are exaggerated and flood the news, and in fact violence that often affects our fellow human beings in a vulnerable position, women and children”, to add that “the policy practiced until today has proven to be ineffective. The constant announcements and the introduction of new stricter penalties are not enough!”.
Besides, he observed, “the message of the legal community, even today with the recommendations of reputable jurists, is clear: the tightening of sentences does not pay off, does not punish, or reform”, while he emphasized that “nor should the State appear to be running backwards every time from developments to satisfy popular sentiment, while the constant modification of the institutional framework without a plan simply to implement grandiose proclamations for communication needs, intensifies determining the uncertainty of law”.
“Coordinated action, strategizing, fighting the problem at its root, with an emphasis on prevention and an effective system of penalties to deter criminal behavior is needed,” he concluded.
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**Ms. Liakoulis, you mention the importance of addressing the root causes of crime. Could you elaborate on specific socio-economic factors contributing to the rise in crime rates in Greece, and what concrete steps the government could take to mitigate those factors?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Restoring Trust in Justice
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Greece is grappling with a crisis of confidence in its justice system, with citizens questioning the rule of law. Today, we delve into this critical issue with two distinguished guests:
* **Evangelia Liakoulis**, Head of the Department of Justice, Institutions & Transparency of PASOK,
and
* **[Guest 2 Name]**, [Guest 2 Title/Affiliation],
**Section 1: The Erosion of Trust**
**Interviewer:** Ms. Liakoulis, your recent address at the Union of Judges and Prosecutors conference highlighted a significant decline in public trust towards the Justice Department. Can you elaborate on the factors contributing to this alarming trend, as you see them?
**Liakoulis:**
**(Responds with detailed explanation, potentially referencing economic hardship, political scandals mentioned in the article, and the perception of inequality.)**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], what are your thoughts on these observations? Do you see similar trends in other countries? What lessons can Greece learn from their experiences?
**[Guest 2]:**
**(Offers a comparative perspective, potential examples from other nations, and insights into strategies implemented elsewhere.
**Section 2: The Role of the Judiciary**
**Interviewer:** Ms. Liakoulis, you emphasize the crucial role the Judiciary must play in restoring public trust. In practical terms, what steps can the judiciary take to address these concerns and rebuild that trust?
**Liakoulis:**
**(Outlines specific actions, possibly references to digitization, staff training, infrastructure improvements, and transparency measures mentioned in the article.)**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], beyond these internal reforms within the judiciary, what other external factors or societal changes are essential to fostering a climate of trust in the justice system?
**[Guest 2]:**
**(Expands the discussion beyond the judiciary, potentially exploring the role of education, media, political discourse, and community involvement in shaping public perception of justice.)**
**Section 3: Beyond Punishment: A Holistic Approach to Crime**
**Interviewer:** Ms. Liakoulis, you argue that simply increasing penalties is not an effective long-term solution to crime. What alternative strategies do you propose?
**Liakoulis:**
**(Expands on the need for a prevention-focused approach, potentially invoking social programs, addressing root causes of criminal behavior, and promoting rehabilitation.)**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], do you agree with this emphasis on prevention? Are there successful models of crime prevention programs that you can highlight?
**[Guest 2]:**
**(Offers insights into specific preventative measures, successful programs, and research-backed interventions that address the underlying factors contributing to crime.)**
**Closing:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable perspectives. Clearly, restoring trust in the justice system requires a multifaceted approach. What message of hope would you offer to the Greek people as they navigate this complex challenge?
**[Both guests provide concluding remarks, expressing optimism and outlining pathways toward a more just and equitable society.]**
**Note:**
* This structure caters to a nuanced discussion, encouraging both guests to engage with each other’s viewpoints.
* Tailor the questions further based on the specific expertise and perspectives of your chosen Guest 2.
* Encourage a conversational tone, allowing for natural pauses, follow-up questions, and potentially even areas of disagreement.
