No, cannibalism is explicitly criminalized under Greek law as a form of homicide or bodily harm, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to lesser terms depending on intent and circumstances. The Hellenic Penal Code (Article 300) and the Greek Constitution’s protection of human dignity (Article 2) prohibit acts violating bodily integrity, including consumption of human flesh. Recent 2026 amendments to the Penal Code further criminalize “cannibalistic acts” as aggravated offenses, aligning with EU directives on extreme violence and public order.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Greece
- Hellenic Penal Code (Article 300): Classifies cannibalism as a form of homicide or bodily harm, with penalties up to life imprisonment if death results. Consent of the victim does not negate criminal liability under Greek jurisprudence.
- Law 4855/2021 (Amendments to Penal Code): Introduced specific provisions targeting “extreme bodily violations,” including cannibalistic acts, as aggravated offenses under Articles 308A and 310. The Hellenic Police’s Cybercrime Unit monitors online content related to such acts.
- Constitutional Protection (Article 2): The Greek Constitution’s guarantee of human dignity (Article 2 §1) and the prohibition of inhuman treatment (Article 7) provide a constitutional basis for criminalizing cannibalism, even in private settings.
Enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of local prosecutors and the Hellenic Police’s Special Violent Crimes Division. International cooperation, particularly with EUROPOL’s 2026 framework on cross-border extreme violence cases, ensures alignment with broader European legal standards.