Arrested in Athens: 24 hours to the investigating judge
Greece has one of the shortest limits in Europe. Anyone arrested, whether caught in the act or on a warrant, must be brought before the competent investigating judge no later than 24 hours after the arrest. Nationality makes no difference: the protection applies to everyone in Greece without distinction.
The Greek clock
| Step | Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Before the investigating judge | No later than 24 hours from the arrest | Constitutional protection |
| The judge's decision | A short further period to decide | Detention or release with conditions |
| Foreign nationals | Full protection, without distinction | Nationality, race, language, belief |
| Lawyer | Right to one, and to an interpreter | EU directives implemented |
| Consular notification | On request | Should be asked for expressly |
Twenty-four hours is short in the person's favour, but it also means the first appearance arrives before anyone has had time to gather anything. What is presented at it is usually whatever the family managed to assemble in a few hours.
What actually happens in Athens
- Drugs. Greek law is severe and the distinction between use and supply carries very different consequences. Island and festival cases end up here as well.
- Piraeus and the ferries: customs, vehicles and cases arising on board or on arrival.
- The airport: luggage, customs and arrests on international alerts including in transit.
- Nightlife in the centre and Psyrri: fights, theft accusations, public order.
- Demonstrations, frequent and sometimes confrontational, with public order proceedings.
- Antiquities. Removing or exporting archaeological material is prosecuted severely, and buying from a seller does not make it lawful.
The antiquities point catches visitors with no criminal intention at all. It is the same rule as in Italy, described in the guide on cultural property offences, and Greece enforces it just as firmly.
Where an Italian lawyer comes in
Only a lawyer admitted in Greece can appear before its courts. What an Italian lawyer does is the other half: selecting and briefing that lawyer, explaining the position to the family in their own language, and handling anything with an Italian end — a parallel proceeding, a European Arrest Warrant issued by Italy, an alert in circulation. The arrangement is described in how a correspondent case is run, and the surrender framework in the guide on the European Arrest Warrant.
Frequently asked questions
How long can Greek police hold me?
You must be brought before the competent investigating judge no later than twenty-four hours after the arrest.
Does being foreign change anything?
No. Everyone in Greece enjoys full protection without discrimination on grounds of nationality, race, language or belief.
I bought an antiquity from a shop.
Purchase does not make removal or export lawful. These offences are prosecuted severely and the seller's assurances carry no weight.
What about drugs found on an island?
Greek drug law is severe throughout the country, and the distinction between personal use and supply carries very different consequences.
If this is happening now
First contact is free and covered by professional privilege, at any hour including nights and holidays.