An engineer working with the Mykonos Planning Department says he will issue a building permit despite being threatened, according to an audio recording broadcast by Greek television station MEGA.
The recording, presented on the program Koinonia Ora MEGA, appears to capture a conversation reflecting a climate of pressure, threats and fear surrounding the issuance of building permits on the popular Greek island.
In the recording, the engineer says he is being forced to sign a permit that he considers illegal because he fears for his safety.
Engineer says he will issue permit despite threats
The recording includes a conversation in which one person questions why the engineer would sign a permit that he is not legally allowed to issue while facing pressure from another individual.
The engineer initially indicates that he intends to resign afterward.
The exchange then turns to the alleged threats: “He is threatening you and you are going to sit there and sign something you are not allowed to sign, and you will have the mayor against you?”
The engineer responds: “I will do it because I am afraid.”
The other person urges him to take legal action and seek an injunction rather than issue the permit. “Why don’t you go and file an injunction against him?”
The engineer replies: “No… You file the injunction yourselves. I will issue the permit.”
When asked whether he will issue it because he is being threatened, the engineer responds: “You know this, they don’t.”
His interlocutor then says that others are also aware of the alleged threats, including people in the technical department and the municipality who heard the recording.
Investigation into Mykonos Planning Department
The revelations come as the Mykonos Planning Department faces an investigation by the authorities.
The department has been heading toward a permanent closure following a recent raid by Greece’s Internal Affairs authorities, according to the report.
The latest audio recording is being presented as evidence of the pressure allegedly surrounding the issuance of planning permits on the island.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, while evidence collected during the raids is being assessed by the judicial authorities.
