Citizens, politicians and police officers in corruption networks and the deep state will be prosecuted and punished, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chryssochoidis warned on Saturday from Corfu, where he is on a two-day visit.
"The reports in the press about the activity of a deep state, operating for years before the current government, are horrifying," the minsiter said, describing "a deep state including unheard-of actions by politicians, citizens and high-level Hellenic Police officers."
The police defends democracy, operates within the framework of the constitution and in no way does it wish to operate within a deep state. "The Hellenic Police will prosecute and expel all those who are corrupt and continue to believe they may participate in corruption and illegality,"  he said. He added that the chiefs of police have been collaborating with court officials on the issue.
Chryssochoidis held several meetings at Corfu on Saturday with MPs, regional officials and mayors, and told them he intends to build a new jail in Corfu, "a dream of the island for many decades that will become reality," MP Stefanos Gikas said.
The minister also met with several chiefs of police of Ionian Islands and their unions, and said his immediate priority is to boost the police department of Lefkimmi with more staff. He said a total of 15 newly graduated police staff will come to Corfu, especially for the southern part of the island. "It's a first step towards a substantial and effective policing in an area that is extremely difficult and presents a lot of problems, especially every summer," Chryssochoidis said.
In addition, as the mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands (Othoni) Meropi Idreou revealed, the ministry will provide specifically requested fire-extinguishing equipment for the Old Town of Corfu, which faces problems due to its very crowded architecture and multi-storey buildings.