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Greek Anti-Gaming Laws Still Being Enforced

Posted by simoniker on from the spartan-respect-for-gamers dept.

Gamaroo writes "An AFP report on Yahoo indicates that innocent Internet and gaming cafes in Greece are still being raided by police, despite the laws being ruled unconstitutional by the supreme court of the land. From the article: 'In a desperate attempt to clamp down on out-of-control illegal gambling, Greek parliament passed in 2002 a law that summarily banned all public gaming conducted by electronic and mechanical means. Said one man, 'They treat us like criminals,' said Aris Assimakopoulos, a 28-year old computer specialist who runs an internet cafe in downtown Athens. Policemen stormed Assimakopoulos' enterprise twice in January, threw out all clients, confiscated 50 PCs and arrested an employee.'"

2 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. No, an example of a different government by jgardn · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I have no idea how the Greek government works. However, it sounds like the courts don't carry nearly as much power as they do in the states.

    It could be that courts aren't allowed to overturn laws. It could also be that the enforcement arm of the government is run at a local level, and not subject to the national government.

    I won't comment on the Greek system, because I do no know it. But I certainly won't form an opinion based on our country's heritage and traditions.

    Now, if only we had more governors and presidents who would openly flaunt the will of activist judges, willing to put their job on the line if it ever comes to impeachment, then we might have a more cautious and obedient justice branch.

    --
    The radical sect of Islam would either see you dead or "reverted" to Islam.
  2. Re:Define Game? by Aelfy · · Score: 3, Interesting

    why is Greece so different about gambling problems that they had it going underground?
    Easy, one word:
    "Religion"

    The Greek Orthodox church just about runs the country, as no politician can survive disagreeing with a church that is supported by 98% of the population. There is no seperation of church and state, and the clergy are paid wages by the state.

    An example of the church power: A few years ago, *millions* of Greeks protested in Athens against the introduction of barcodes because of the 6,6,6 thing, and the church said to protest. In this political farce its not hard to see how bizarre illogical laws get passed.