Syros Court Silences Church Bell, Issues €200 Fine Per Ring

08:00 23/10/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

In a landmark decision, a court in Syros has ordered a church to silence its bell, which had been chiming every half hour, following a noise complaint from a nearby resident.

The ruling prohibits the bell from being rung except during religious services and imposes a hefty fine for each violation.

The case was brought before the court by a local resident who argued that the frequent chiming of the bell

was causing a disturbance.

Lawyer Vassilis Sotiropoulos, who represented the plaintiff, announced the court's decision on social media, highlighting its unique nature.

"The court allowed the bell to be used for religious and worship purposes, but it went a step further and ruled that the bell may not be rung even for worship during designated quiet hours," Mr. Sotiropoulos explained.

This marks the first time a Greek court has imposed such specific restrictions on the use of a church bell.

The court's decision not only silences the bell for non-religious purposes but also imposes a €200 fine for each unauthorized ring, payable by the church to the complainant. This unprecedented penalty underscores the court's commitment to upholding the resident's right to a peaceful environment.

While the ruling has brought relief to the complainant, it has also sparked debate about the balance between religious freedom and the right to quiet enjoyment of one's property.

The case sets a precedent for future disputes regarding noise pollution from church bells and could potentially influence how similar cases are handled throughout Greece.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr