A criminal case with serious charges, including attempted serial murder and conspiracy, has been filed against at least 20 farmers involved in the violent incidents in Heraklion and Chania. The farmers were identified through video footage, and some of them turned out to have criminal records.
During the clashes, they destroyed the airport fence, overturned a patrol car, and injured nine police officers. The police were forced to retreat to the airports, which were temporarily occupied by the protesters.
The president of the Livestock Association of Chania, Yiannis Verykakis, apologized for the violence and vandalism. He said the difficult economic situation had brought the farming community to the breaking point. Meanwhile, four people have been arrested in Crete, while anxiety about the functioning of airports remains high.
Today, farmers are expected to decide whether to release or keep the air gates blocked. Protests have also spread to other cities such as Patras, Karditsa and Volos. Farmers warn of further escalation if their demands are not met.
The government has begun discussions on a package of measures to reduce subsidies and the cost of agricultural production. However, changes to OPEC have left thousands of farmers temporarily without payments, increasing tensions. A national meeting of farmers is expected this weekend to decide on the next steps in the protest.
