State’s approval of surveillance at grounds nearing
Government officials said yesterday that procedures for state approval of surveillance cameras at top league soccer and basketball games, to combat hooliganism, had reached an advanced stage. A ministerial order for the installation of surveillance devices at Greek stadiums was expected within the next few days, officials noted following a meeting at the General Sports Secretariat. Participants included Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, and his deputy, Giorgos Lianis, who handles sports issues. The order, it was agreed, will be signed by Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis, and Lianis. In its bid to clamp down on sports hooliganism, the government is also pressing organized fan clubs to submit details of all members, including their criminal records. As part of the measures, clubs will need to authorize fan clubs, and, in doing so, take on legal responsibility for these groups.
