A coordinated intervention by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Greek Police, and the Hellenic Public Prosecutor's Office was carried out at 7 am today at the beach of Agia Marina Rhodes. The Dodecanese Property Service A' proceeded to seal the area where illegal structures with umbrella seats were found both on the beach and in the sea. In addition, entry into the area was prohibited with relevant signage, as was the exercise of any economic activity in this area.

It is recalled that the procedure was completed in less than 48 hours, as the day before yesterday at noon, the competent authorities proceeded to an on-site inspection of the business, where the illegal occupation of the beach and the installation of 19 metal structures in the sea were found. Subsequently, all legal procedures were followed, and the autopsy report was drawn up with the corresponding conclusion: the act of immediate removal and the order to seal and stop the operation and economic activity of the illegally occupied area. It was decided that this operation should be carried out in the morning hours in order not to create a nuisance to bathers and to the overall tourist activity of the area.

Now, the procedure provides for:

Firstly, the issuance of the relevant fine within the day, which, based on the new strict law introduced a few months ago, amounts to 4 times the compensation that the operator would have paid for one year if he had concluded a contract.

Secondly, the immediate removal, within 48 hours, of all illegal umbrella seats as well as the mobile elements of the metal structures is the responsibility of the operator. If this is not done, then the municipality will be responsible for the removal.

Thirdly, a demolition protocol will be issued for the metal elements within the next few days.

Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis said: "I have said it before, and I underline it. Let everyone understand this without exception, especially those who think they can fool us and that they can flout the law: as we did last year, as we did today in Rhodes, so we will do from now on. Legality everywhere! And no termite is going to stop us. It is a basic condition for making this country better."

Finally, a meeting was held this morning under the coordination of DG Public Property N. Kollias with representatives of the Municipality of Rhodes, the ELAS, the financial police, officials of the Ministry of Shipping, and the Port Authority of Rhodes to ensure that all the above will be implemented in full without delays or discounts in terms of the provisions of the law.