Ending the humiliation

The decision by German authorities to increase security checks for passengers arriving from Greece at airports around the country is disturbing, not to say humiliating.

That said, the Greek authorities must finally address the issue of immigration in an organized and effective manner, a manner that will inevitably imply stricter controls and implementation of the law. The unfortunate fact is that, in the eyes of outsiders, the country has deteriorated into a free-for-all.

Greek authorities have an obligation to crack down on criminal networks that forge passports and identification cards. They must also take measures to enhance the protection of such documents against forgery.

Officials here must not give authorities of other countries in Europe’s Schengen passport-free travel zone any excuse to mistreat Greek citizens.