The Greek government has put forward a last-minute amendment in a bill offering immunity to all those dealing with and making decisions aimed at tackling the ongoing pandemic.
According to the amendment, the members of specific COVID-19 committees “shall not be liable, prosecuted or held accountable for the opinions they have expressed or the votes they have cast in the performance of their duties”.
The amendment has drawn criticism from the main opposition Syriza party (European Left), as it extends immunity not only to epidemiologists but also to those holding political office, such as secretary generals of ministries.
Particularly, the National Committee for the Protection of Public Health against COVID-19 consists of ministries’ secretary generals who recently decided to ban protests.