Over 300 suspected arsonists have already been arrested in Greece this year, with stricter punishments now in place under a new law, according to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a statement shared on TikTok.
Since the start of the year, approximately 45,000 hectares of forests, shrubs, and farmland have been destroyed by wildfires — an area larger than the German city of Cologne. The Greek Meteorological Bureau has warned that the wildfire season is far from over.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis revealed that more than 300 people have been apprehended on suspicion of arson so far in 2025.
This week, the Greek government approved a new law to address arson more severely. Previously, offenders often faced light penalties, such as suspended sentences or small fines.
However, Mitsotakis stressed on Saturday that this era of leniency has ended, declaring, “Impunity is over.”
Under the new legislation, arsonists now face mandatory prison terms and hefty fines ranging from €30,000 to €200,000. Additionally, authorities can seize the assets of those convicted.
