The issue in the Observer was the situation on Mykonosafter the beating of the archaeologist Ephorates of the Antiquities of the Cyclades, who first revealed “K”.

The British newspaper refers to the beating of Mr. Manolis Psarrow, as well as to various violations of the urban (and not only) nature that prevail on the “island of the winds.”

Yes, oh Observer he refers to the Greek officials who spoke of a “state within a state” while he refers to the meeting that took place in Maxim’s palace and also to the reaction of the archaeologists.

Attack on Manolis Psarros and lawlessness in Mykonos

The first part of Helen Smith’s report describes the almost murderous attack on Manolis Psarros on the evening of March 7th.

“The next day there was a general strike and I had to finish my business for Mykonos. I remember approaching the car, but then everything is in a fog, I only know that I was hit on the head from behind with such force that I lost consciousness, ”the 52-year-old archaeologist described.

The result of the attack is known: broken ribs, a broken nose, impaired vision from blows to the eyes. From the kicks and blows received by Mr. Psarros, the doctors realized that it was a professional blow, that the man was lucky to be alive.

The Observer then cites police investigations that have focused on the “island of the winds” while talking about a building frenzy on the island and a “war” between contractors and the archaeological service.

“Everything about this attack shows how out of control the situation in Mykonos is,” says Despina Koutsumba, president of the Association of Greek Archaeologists. “Since there are no other motives, it is clear that this is a mafia attack carried out by people who followed Manolis from his work. It involves huge business interests and was intended to strike fear into the hearts of archaeologists.”

The Greek government seems to agree, writes the Guardian. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, police and local officials have agreed that the lawlessness that governs illegal building activity in one of Greece’s most popular locations is related to a crime for which the perpetrators are still wanted.

Mykonos is a “state within a state”.

Prominent British media have pointed out that Mykonos has for years been an international pioneer as a “playground” for the wealthy – its bars, restaurants and beaches, areas that are increasingly generating gigantic profits.

However, the brutal attack on Manolis Psarros also brought out the dark side: an island dominated by vested interests, a “twilight zone” beyond the reach of the central government and the long arm of the law.

On Wednesday, when Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened a meeting of senior ministers to discuss the case, officials openly called Mykonos “a state within a state,” the Observer notes.

Then a reference is made to government measures to restore order in Mykonos by landing the first “landing” hundred of police officers, financial crime investigators, environmental and building inspectors.

“The prosecution of illegal construction in rural areas will also be intensified, both in Mykonos and on the neighboring islands of the Aegean archipelago,” the publication notes.

“Fines are nothing”

At the end of the publication, Smith tries to describe the tourism situation in Greece, combined with the attitude of archaeologists and investment in Mykonos.

“For many, a team of dedicated diggers and explorers is the last bulwark against the looting increasingly associated with tourism,” the archaeologists were quoted as saying.

And then it is emphasized: “However, given that this sector accounts for 25% of GDP and is by far the biggest driver of the Greek economy, a delicate balance is needed, which, on the one hand, ensures the recognition of the need for visitors and, on the other hand, the preservation natural beauty that also draws them to the country.”

The Observer notes that as Greece gears up for another record tourist season, archaeologists’ concerns have become mired in the “crap” of Greek bureaucracy and ultimately mean little to investors.

Fines levied on offenders for building villas, hotels and beach bars next to or on top of ancient monuments are “nothing” compared to the profits made, say local residents, who also complain about the island’s unregulated development.

“Now it is Mykonos, but later it will be some other island. It’s time to act, and that means sending in the bulldozers. It is the only language that everyone will understand. An example must be set, and it must be set now,” concludes Despina Kutsuba.