The last three articles of the anti-racism bill were passed through Parliament on September 9 in a roll call vote. Articles 1, 2 and 3 received clear majorities from the 100 MPs who participated in Parliament’s summer session. The three articles were voted on separately after requests by SYRIZA and Golden Dawn last week.

The bill under the general title “Fight against Xenophobia” passed after months of delays; it stipulates jail terms of up to three years and large fines for those who incite attacks against people based on their race or sexual orientation. Similar treatment is foreseen for individuals who publicly deny genocides and other crimes against humanity that are recognised by the Greek Parliament and international courts. Greece is the third European country after Switzerland and Slovakia to adopt such measures.