Larissa: Parents Convicted for Children's School Absence During Pandemic

Two parents in Larissa were found guilty by the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court for not sending their children to school during the 2020-2021 school year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, 15 parents faced justice for the inadequate attendance of their children, aged 5 to 12, who were attending kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools in the areas of Larissa, Agia, and Elassona.

Most parents claimed they avoided sending their children to school for precautionary reasons, due to health problems of their relatives. However, the court acquitted 13 of the 15 parents, while two were sentenced to imprisonment of 8 and 10 months respectively, as well as fines of 700 and 900 euros for repeated violation of compulsory attendance.

Attendance in elementary and junior high school is compulsory in Greece for students up to 16 years of age.