Anyone arrested in Greece for suspected arson is now being prosecuted under the new, stricter provisions of the latest law passed by the government.

The changes mean that not only for intended arson, but those who cause a fire through clear negligence that causes death or ecological destruction, will be charged with a serious felony that carries penalties of a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to 200,000 euros as well as confiscation of the perpetrator’s property.

Under the former criminal code introduced by the previous government, arson was treated as a misdemeanour with a prison sentence and the possibility of it being suspended.

With the changes enacted by the current government, the full sentence will be served in prison and will not be suspended or commuted in any way.

The law applies to foreigners who live in Greece and also to tourists visiting the country.