Amendment suspends building activity on Mykonos in areas outside town planning zones, following last week’s assault on archaeologist

A gangland-style assault last week against a public sector archaeologist based on the jet-setting island of Mykonos generated a sharp reaction, with the government announcing that a team of inspectors will be dispatched there to investigate all complaints of building code and construction violations.

Additionally, and even more importantly, an amendment passed in Parliament on Tuesday suspends all building activity on Mykonos in areas outside of town planning (zoning) areas.

The archaeologist is assigned to the Cyclades antiquities ephorate and is involved in the issuance of permits necessary for building licenses on the internationally renowned and pricey tourist destination. He was assaulted in northern Athens by one unknown assailant.

The relevant environment and energy minister this week announced that a special team comprised of a building inspector, an environment inspector and financial crimes officers, will immediately be sent to the island. Additionally, on Wednesday, the relevant public order minister said no less than 100 more police officers will be stationed on the island during the peak summer season.

The incident and increased criminal activity on the specific island, reminiscent of the presence of organized crime gangs, was the focus on a high-level meeting chaired by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Speaking at the meeting, Mitsotakis said the existence of an island where some consider themselves above the law is “inconceivable… this situation must be addressed decisively.”