Underneath assault, Greek MP takes custody of kids, divorce legislation | completely different, video

ATHENS – With disagreement among their ranks, Greece’s ruling New Democracy is trying to pass a law reforming family and divorce law through parliament that critics say would split custody of violent criminals.

In the run-up to the vote, Amnesty International joined women’s groups and civil society organizations in calling on the Greek authorities to reject the law, which has also encountered opposition within the government.

The bill was amended and more were expected on May 19 after Justice Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras came under pressure, even from the ruling party, which was divided over the controversial measure, Kathimerini said.

He had already changed it several times after meeting with several parliamentary committees and he and government spokeswoman Aristotelia Peloni said he could do it again, the newspaper reported.

“We are a democratic party. We can talk. We can also hear a different point of view, ”Tsiaras said, but said he would not make sweeping changes that he said would“ deconstruct ”the proposed bill.

Esther Major, Amnesty International’s Senior Research Adviser, said: “The proposed provision would violate Greece’s obligation under the Istanbul Convention, which obliges States parties to take steps to ensure that custody and visitation rights protect the rights and safety of people Domestic violence survivors at risk, as well as witnesses and victims of children ”.

Amnesty said the law would put domestic violence victims, including migrant women and refugee women, at greater risk, and urged the government to withdraw it before a vote.

“Since legal proceedings can take up to five years, the new law risks giving perpetrators of violence and abuse access to their victims over a longer period of time,” the group said.