09
Dec
2008
No leniency in Attributing Blame



Those responsible for the death of 15-year-old Alexis Andreas Grigoropoulos will receive the punishment they deserve, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlined on Monday, condemning extreme behaviors that involve the destruction of properties of fellow citizens. The premier went on to express his very deep anguish at the loss of the 15-year-old: "I know that nothing can assuage the pain; life is the supreme boon and its loss cannot be replaced". In statements after a meeting with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Karamanlis said that he had asked Alogoskoufis to do his utmost to compensate those who suffered damages in the riots. Karamanlis repeated that the state would not tolerate any leniency in attributing blame and ensuring that those responsible received the punishment they deserved.
Karamanlis charged, however, that extremist elements were taking advantage of the event and were proving through their violent behaviour that their only goal was destruction. He noted that the government's obligation was to protect society as a whole, stressing that the things done in response to the tragic event could not be tolerated.
"The state will protect the citizens," he underlined.He also emphasised that the state will do everything in its power to prevent such an event occurring again.