Blind Justice in Greece? Really?

Are we to believe that the fight against corruption in Greece is starting with Mt. Athos and the arrest of Fr. Ephraim, abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery, or is that simply a politically-motivated gesture, meant to serve as an example of someone in Greece actually being prosecuted for wrongdoing?

Making an example of politicians, businessmen, or journalists by punishing them for criminal behavior has become a fundamental signal of the authorities’ determination to restoring the rule of law. It is as well a basic demand of the citizens of the country. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Papandreou Administration was more than eager to take the country to task for harping on widespread corruption before international audiences, it did absolutely nothing to combat this cancerous-like problem domestically.

That the news of Abbot Ephraim’s shocking arrest broke on Christmas Eve make one wonder whether it could have waited a few more days. On the other hand, could it be that authorities had a clue that Ephraim was getting ready to flee the country?

If justice in Greece was really “blind” then it would have been justified in disregarding the ecclesiastical calendar – even during biggest holidays. But is it really so impartial?

Unfortunately, no. There are many cases the that have come to the attention of the Greek public over the years that reveal that the justice system is anything but…just. Therefore, was the rush to hand over an abbot to the authorities on Christmas Eve at least not comical, if not downright suspicious?

The “crimes” of which Abbot Ephraim is being accused – provided that the accusations are really true – could not have been committed by him singlehandedly. They had to have been committed in accord with political figures of the former New Democracy government. The problem, of course, is that, no politician has been accused of committing any crime.

We would support the Papademos Government with all our strength if it decided to do its job, and if the judiciary also decided to carry out its duties impartially from hereon in. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. The most likely scenario for the arrest of the abbot is that preparations are being made for snap elections. And, quite incredulously, the Vatopedi Monastery will be the issue upon which the elections will be judged, instead of the economy.