Safety first
If there is one fundamental condition that must be met for the justice system to function smoothly it is ensuring the safety of judges and judicial employees.
Yesterday’s assault at the main Athens court complex on Evelpidon Street on a magistrate’s secretary that left her suffering serious stab wounds goes to underscore just how important it is for the state to step up security at every courthouse around the country.
Yesterday’s attack on the judicial official by a convict who was out on conditional release was not the first assault of its kind on an employee of the justice system.
Unfortunately, though, when such incidents do occur they are usually followed by a frenzy of statements and reactions for the first few days and then silence descends once more and the issue is assigned to the back burner.
This time around we must see the state step up and take responsibility for the safety of workers who are vulnerable to such acts on a daily basis. Steps must be taken to ensure their safety and not just to pander to public sentiment.
