Greece’s prosecutor general has urged prosecutors nationwide to take swift legal action against farmers who block roads and obstruct access to major traffic arteries.

In a new circular sent to all prosecutors, Prosecutor General Konstantinos Tzavellas instructed authorities to immediately apply existing criminal and traffic laws to individuals involved in setting up and maintaining roadblocks. The directive focuses on protests by farmers and livestock breeders who have been occupying sections of national and local roads as part of their mobilizations.

According to the circular, prosecutors are asked to work closely with police to identify those responsible, open criminal case files and proceed with prosecutions. Depending on the circumstances, cases may be handled under Greece’s “in flagrante” procedure, which allows for immediate arrest and expedited court proceedings when offenses are caught in progress.

The order emphasizes that blocking roads, placing obstacles on highways or otherwise hindering traffic may constitute serious offenses, including endangering the safety of transportation. It also highlights violations of the Greek Highway Code, which provides for administrative fines in addition to criminal penalties.

In practical terms, the prosecutor general is calling for two key actions: the formation of criminal case files against individuals who shut down roads, and the use of arrest procedures where the law requires it. Authorities are also instructed to ensure the identification of those involved so that administrative fines can be imposed.

The circular reiterates earlier guidance issued in December and stresses the need for “immediate intervention” to address what it describes as ongoing and repeated offenses arising from the continuous blockage of public roads. This includes national highways as well as regional, municipal and community roads used by motorized and non-motorized vehicles.