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Lately, more and more often different organizations appear calling for the establishment of volunteer corps, to "protect citizens, which the State has left to the mercy of criminals." On various websites they call Greeks to join their ranks and to undergo the appropriate training in order to be ready to deal with the chaos that is "knocking on the door." These are dangerous developments, as also defined by the Minister of Civil Protection Michalis Chrysohoidis, who in connection with the establishment of volunteer corps said that according to the constitution only the police and the relevant agencies are responsible for the security of citizens. "Nobody else has a right to use weapons, nor do justice", he said. In connection with this matter last Thursday prosecutor Nikos Andonarakos ordered a quick pre-trial proceedings on the activities of these "organizations". The whole situation is reminiscent of old times. Many believe that today's events are similar to those that appeared in Germany in the 1930s, before Hitler took power. Others note that in times of crisis, increasing xenophobia and the rise of extreme right-wing forces, which are its main exponent, are natural consequences. Finally, many people point out that when a country sleeps, the parastate awakens. And so maybe we have experienced the hatching of a snake egg?

One of the groups that has appeared claiming that it "will protect citizens from criminals" and is at the gunpoint of prosecutors is called the Patriotic volunteer squad. Its representative is George Anestopoulos who also signs himself as "the hawk of the Aegean".

“The Patriotic volunteer squad is one of hundreds of groups of reservists, who in one way or another, continue their military training, even in civilian life", he said.

As he explains, the ambition of the organization in times of war is "to provide organized volunteer civilian corps of men and women who will be able to support the protection of civilians against foreign troops." He stresses, however that "it was never and will never be part of our plans to participate in the repression of popular protests."

Anestopoulos’ views are strongly reminiscent of those of conspiracy theories. He assured that "we do not intend to play the role of self-styled saviours, but at the critical moment we prefer to be ready to protect our families (and fellow citizens) in a war that some “anti-Greeks" are preparing to start against our people and not just be killed, at a time when the state shows every day its inability to protect its people."

In connection with the training members of the organization undergo, he explains that it is a basic military knowledge. "But the mode is definitely that of a regular army. Every one is here in accordance to their specialty. And naturally, the most capable and trained form a selected group of Special Forces", he stresses.

According to Anestopoulos, the biggest threat is the excessive number of illegal immigrants. When asked whether Greeks should arm themselves in order to cope with rising crime, as was suggested recently by the leader of the far-right party LAOS George Karadzaferis, Anestopoulos replied: "Sure, but under some conditions. If someone has a fragile psyche, of course, they cannot and should not bear arms, and this can be diagnosed. And of course, citizens must be carefully educated concerning the carrying and use of weapons before being allowed to have a weapon for self defence."

To the remark that if citizens take the law into their own hands, there is a threat that society will slip into uncontrollable chaos, he replied: "Unfortunately, when the state appears unable to protect its citizens and their property, such "slips" are inevitable", and he added that there is a proverb: "Better be led by policemen than priests."

Neighbourhood volunteer corps

A different mindset is that of the Hellenic Centre for Arms Control, which calls for the creation of a movement called "Guardians of the neighbourhood” (neighbourhood watch).

As explained by the Director of the Center Theodoros Lyolyos, associate professor of nuclear physics and applications in the military school for cadets, crime has taken on uncontrollable proportions and therefore he considers it necessary for the "creation of groups of citizens to patrol neighborhoods and to control crime in the area with the help of the police. Our elderly and weak fellow citizens can contact these units if they become victims of crime and members of the team will immediately notify the police or knock on the old man’s door in order to drive the criminals away."

Theodoros Lyolyos says that members of the squad will be allowed to bear arms or to come into conflict with criminals and their presence will only aim to prevent crime.

"If we were the ones in power, we would have put a lot of mines in Evros”

Extreme right party "Golden Dawn" distinguished its position from the one of the "volunteer corps", although residents of Agios Pantelemonas neighbourhood talk of "patrols" of its members.

If the occurrence of volunteer corps raises questions and prompts fears, the activity of the "Golden Dawn" Party is to divide residents in areas where its presence is strong. Its representatives said they "have no connection with the volunteer corps." As they say, this is a political party with a specific body, positions and activities.