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Posted: 8/7/2009 9:30:38 AM | A Greek woman accused of setting fire to the genitals of a British tourist in Crete is due to appear in court.
The woman admitted assault after dousing the man's private parts in alcohol and igniting them, but says she did so after being sexually harassed. Police on the Greek island say the tourist was drunk and had waved his genitals at several girls before allegedly groping the suspect. The man suffered second degree burns and is recovering in a private clinic. The 26-year-old suspect handed herself over to police, claiming she had acted in self defence. She has won praise on Crete for what has been seen as defending her honour, the BBC's Malcolm Brabant said.
According to police the 23-year-old tourist was drunk when he dropped his trousers in a nightclub in the resort of Malia. The suspect, who has not been named, said she doused the man in Sambuca and torched him after she asked him to stop harassing her and he failed to stop. She will be questioned by an investigating magistrate in the city of Iraklion.
The case has been widely discussed on Greek television, and there has been precious little sympathy for the young Briton, said our correspondent. He added that many Greeks are sickened by British bad behaviour in Malia and other resorts. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that in the early hours of Tuesday a 23-year-old British male national was assaulted in Crete.
"We understand he suffered burns on his chest and abdomen.
"He has been receiving consular assistance."
and prob an ice pack as well
source, bbc | |
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| great balls of fire !!!
Posted: 8/7/2009 9:37:09 AM | He dropped his trousers in front of several females and then tried to grope one of them ... that's sexual assault and I don't blame her for what she did.
Quite frankly the behaviour of some people from this country when they go abroad makes me ashamed to be British sometimes. If swarms of Greeks came over here and proceeded to spend a fortnight getting bladdered, throwing up and pissing in the street, screaming, shouting and singing til the morning and trying to assault the local females we'd be up in arms about it.
Once his burns have healed I hope he is prosecuted. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 9:38:41 AM | | Where are the questions and what exactly do want debating so people can stay on topic and not just chat? | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 9:47:07 AM | I guess we could come up with a few questions to help the OP out
How about did the British tourist get what he deserved for harassing this local woman?
Does the behavior of our fellow countrymen abroad embarrass you as a British citizen?
Should the owners of some of these bars take responsibility for selling such cheep booze?
Its all very well for the Greeks or who ever to condemn Brits but their just as responsible.
I have no sympathy for this drunken idiot...He got what he deserved. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 10:05:47 AM | I was interested in what the OP wanted to discuss as it is his thead after all, If I had the choice I would use this story to direct the debate too the news that the Latvian Mayor og Riga would no longer be welcoming Brits abroad for stag parties as they have been ruining their city and the following Cities would be looking to follow suit Budapest, Prague, Bratislava and Tallinn. That is why the OP needs to ask questions or it can become a free for all with no discussion and just views about a story in general.
Though Hams you have asked some questions so I will answer them.
How about did the British tourist get what he deserved for harassing this local woman?
Do second degree burns and immense pain really justify the crime? I have no sympathy for this gentleman and think he has brought it all upon himself but don't agree with the actions of the woman. I have been Malia, flew back on back on the day 9/11, and police are all around and it is only a small Island and she could of easily gone to one of them or the door staff which are on all the bars.
Does the behavior of our fellow countrymen abroad embarrass you as a British citizen?
Yes! But also I believe we are no worse than other Nationals and it is a minority that create the problems and blemish the reputation of the Nation. The problem is due to the wealth of our Country more of us can go abroad so we are there in higher numbers so have a higher proportion of trouble makers than other Nations but not in a percentage of holidaymakers imo.
Should the owners of some of these bars take responsibility for selling such cheep booze?
No, It is highly competitive and they need to make a living and if they didn't offer cheap booze the holidaymakers would just go next door. These places thrive from the tourism trade and they need the holidaymakers, the problem is that the bars make a profit but who pays for the clean up and the extra police? That probably means higher taxes for the locals and that is where the ill feeling comes from. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 10:08:09 AM |
Did the British tourist get what he deserved for harassing this local woman?
Yup. He won't be doing it again in a hurry.
Does the behavior of our fellow countrymen abroad embarrass you as a British citizen?
I'm American, and we have the same problem with drunken frat-f*cks pissing it up in Mexico during spring break.
Should the owners of some of these bars take responsibility for selling such cheep booze? It's all very well for the Greeks or who ever to condemn Brits but they're just as responsible.
Disagree. We're talking about adults and personal responsibility here. Bar staff are not babysitters. Anyone who's old enough to drink is old enough to monitor their intake and accept the consequences of any inappropriate behavior. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 10:53:23 AM |
He added that many Greeks are sickened by British bad behaviour in Malia and other resorts.
No-one yet has mentioned that the Greeks are wrong to view some Brits in a negative way, and I'm pleased about that. The Greeks are free to hold such views.
What upsets me is the fact that any Brit over here who expresses 'negativity' to those of other nationalities is jumped upon and denounced as a 'racist'.
Funny, that...... | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 11:32:03 AM | I would use this story to direct the debate too the news that the Latvian Mayor of Riga would no longer be welcoming Brits abroad for stag parties as they have been ruining their city
Ooooh, don't get me started!
Yeah, don't I know it!! 
My office is in Riga's Old Town, overlooking one of the main squares, right where these morons gather every evening before beginning what can only be described as an assult on a beautiful little city. Large groups of 20 or more idiots in some stupid fancy dress, rampaging through such a small area, in narrow cobbled streets, is frightening for the locals who are by nature reserved and quiet (yes, I know that Latvians can be just as bad over here, I've heard the stories of some of them in London pubs, but the general populace is very reserved.)
The stag groups are abusive to the women and seem to think that because they are in an ex-Soviet Bloc country that all of them are on the game and can be had for just a few Lats. In most cases they just won't accept 'No', even if the girl is with her boyfriend, this of course leads to fights, some of them extremely nasty. A policemen had part of his ear bitten off by an English youth early this year.
I found it most embarrassing when my business partner, who lives in Riga, said to me "What is it with the British? If they can't find someone to fight with they'll fight amongst themselves". Nice eh? I makes me feel so proud of my great nation.
Latvians absolutely adore and revere their Freedom Monument which sits at the entrance to Old Town, it became a symbol of resistance during the Soviet era, so much so that even the Soviets wouldn't touch it. The amount of British yobs who get pissed up and then urinate on it, vomit on it or climb on it is disgusting.
I'm so pleased that the Mayor has voiced his thoughts, he is new to the job having been elected in July, and I hope he does as he's promised and cleans up the stag party scene as quickly as possible. He's already started rescinding the drinking licences of some 0f the nastier 'Stag Party strip clubs' and seems to be having a positive effect.
I would love to see a law passed in the UK that if someone is found guilty of drunken behaviour, urinating in public, sexual harrassment etc. whilst abroad, they lose their passport for a given period of time (say 50 years!!!!!). That might help.
Rant over........... I warned you not to get me started! | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 11:55:38 AM | No-one yet has mentioned that the Greeks are wrong to view some Brits in a negative way, and I'm pleased about that. The Greeks are free to hold such views.
What upsets me is the fact that any Brit over here who expresses 'negativity' to those of other nationalities is jumped upon and denounced as a 'racist'.
Perhaps that is because the majority accept that ignorance and bad behaviour has never been the exclusive right of any nation, and is the responsibility of the individual prat/perpetrator.
edit
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go girl.....agreed and then some | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 11:56:41 AM | What upsets me is the fact that any Brit over here who expresses 'negativity' to those of other nationalities is jumped upon and denounced as a 'racist'
Anyone who exhibits negative behaviour, no matter what race they are deserves to be criticised. There's a wealth of difference between condemning someone's behaviour and blaming their behaviour on the fact that they are white, black, etc. which is racist.
I know I shouldn't......but that story had me in hysterics!! As a fellow Greek I'm sorry but I do have something of a fiery temper myself and the protecting my honour thing is hard to explain, it's a cultural thing...that's my excuse! Ask my ex....on second thoughts...don't!! I also hate Sambuca and would have quite happily thrown it over his willy and set light to it. I think it's called Banana Flambe in Greece.
I do think that places like Greece where alcohol is sold cheaply shouldn't complain too loudly if foreigners who are used to paying through the nose for a drink get unduly sloshed and cause a bit of havoc on their hols. The best policy might be to put their prices up during the summer holiday period. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 1:39:44 PM |
There's a wealth of difference between condemning someone's behaviour and blaming their behaviour on the fact that they are white, black, etc. which is racist.
I agree, but it's difficult for some Greeks not to tar all Brits with the same brush, in the same way that some Brits tar all Africans with the same brush. My sympathies in this matter lie with the Greeks, and it is plain that Brits in general are experiencing 'problems' over there purely because they are British.
http://ukingreece.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/?view=News&id=20589612
"Many of these problems are preventable and Britain works in close collaboration with the Greek authorities to ensure that British holiday-makers have problem free and safe holidays."
This means that some Brits must have complained that they were 'targeted' by locals even if they weren't causing any problems during their stay. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 2:07:36 PM |
This means that some Brits must have complained that they were 'targeted' by locals even if they weren't causing any problems during their stay.
That will always happen unfortunately, but doesn't the fact that "The three officers, including Chief Superintendent Barry Marsden, are specialists in public order and sexual crimes" and "There has been criticism of British behaviour in some holiday resorts with a high number of accidents and incidences of lewd and inappropriate behaviour" point to a very serious problem?
British youths have an extremely poor reputation in Europe and beyond, surely the question is "What can be done to improve that image?" | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 2:23:22 PM |
That will always happen unfortunately, but doesn't the fact that "The three officers, including Chief Superintendent Barry Marsden, are specialists in public order and sexual crimes" and "There has been criticism of British behaviour in some holiday resorts with a high number of accidents and incidences of lewd and inappropriate behaviour" point to a very serious problem?
There are obviously problems on both sides, but my previous post referred to those holidaymakers who are experiencing problems from the Greeks purely because they are British. Otherwise, there would be no need to issue guidelines to ordinary holidaymakers. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 3:02:49 PM | I've read the guidlines for British Tourists in Greece entitled 'There is another side to paradise'. I get the impression that the most important message they are trying to get across is to be sensible if you choose to drink with warnings that time spent in the cells will ruin the holiday, that drinking and driving especially without your helmet is dangerous and that British women aren't safe just because they are in a foreign country, they still have to be aware that their drinks can be spiked and that rape happens.
I don't see where it's been written that British tourists are specifically targeted by Greek criminals and Greek rapists, I just see that people are being asked to not drink heavily because it places them in danger of being taken advantage of or even of being a danger to others.
Perhaps you read a different set of Guidelines to the one I discovered through your link. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 3:08:43 PM | Greece is a funny society, to outsiders it appears very sexist, men appear to have the upper hand, often shunnung women who do anything to bring shame on a family. In truth though, it's a very matriarchal society. Women hold a lot of the power. And why not, in a land where you often see a 60 year old woman carrying a load that would make a para sweat up a 20 degree hill in 40 degree heat while still managing to give you a disaproving smile........would you argue with them?
Not me.
Does any of their (by our standards) sexist behaviour in any way dminish the sheer awfulness of the proletarian Brit abroad? Not even slightly. It's an embarassment to us, pure and simple. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 3:31:07 PM |
I don't see where it's been written that British tourists are specifically targeted by Greek criminals and Greek rapists, I just see that people are being asked to not drink heavily because it places them in danger of being taken advantage of or even of being a danger to others.Perhaps you read a different set of Guidelines to the one I discovered through your link.
Or perhaps you need to read the bit in MSG 13 which contained a quote from that link? | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 3:36:01 PM | I don't see where it's been written that British tourists are specifically targeted by Greek criminals and Greek rapists, I just see that people are being asked to not drink heavily because it places them in danger of being taken advantage of or even of being a danger to others.
Perhaps you read a different set of Guidelines to the one I discovered through your link.
You read them like I read them. Unfortunately, some people might need stronger glasses to read them the same way or they've got their British beer goggles on!
Edit:
Greece is a funny society
I could have sworn Greece was a country!
often shunnung women who do anything to bring shame on a family.
Not entirely sure what that means unless you've popped over to Greece and got lagered up on the cheap but I think you'll find men have a large hand in shaming the family too! | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 3:58:55 PM |
"Many of these problems are preventable and Britain works in close collaboration with the Greek authorities to ensure that British holiday-makers have problem free and safe holidays."
Yes I've read it twice now but it still suggests to me that the onus upon how you get treated abroad is on the visitor and I see that tourists are being warned to moderate their own behaviour because it's not appropriate.
And it's very admirable that the British Police are working so closely with Greek authorities to stem any problems and that they are on hand to deal with any problems which arise from people acting foolishly.
Haven't we all be told or warned that when we go abroad we are representing our country and we should behave in a manner which makes us as a people and nation look good?
Everybody's in it together and if you are a Brit abroad and see bad behaviour on the part of another Brit you should tell them to behave or report them to who it may concern.
For the woman who did what she felt she needed to do to protect her dignity, Greek or British, she was forced to take drastic action and use what she had to hand to repel her possible would be attacker; that's not about cultural differences between both countries, it's about survival.
EDIT:
Not entirely sure what that means unless you've popped over to Greece and got lagered up on the cheap but I think you'll find men have a large hand in shaming the family too!
I had a college lecturer who was Greek, she was very inspirational in fact and it was fun learning the true origin of many words in the English language which she made a point of educating us on. She was proud of her heritage, proud of the contribution of Greeks to modern society and why wouldn't she be?
She was terrible to me though but I put that down to her severe PMT and the stress she was under building her dream home at the time, she was such a cow! | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 4:06:06 PM | Not entirely sure what that means unless you've popped over to Greece and got lagered up on the cheap but I think you'll find men have a large hand in shaming the family too!
You may not be sure what I mean, but I am, having lived there for 9 months.
I could have sworn Greece was a country!
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/society
As I said, Greece is a funny society.
Synonyms:
association, fellowship, fraternity, brotherhood, company. See circle. 7. fellowship.
the above seems to defy your impression of Greek society being one which is matriarchal in flavour.
But I posted the definition, not synonyms, which is:
1. an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
Anyway you're going off topic a little and possibly trolling too.
so don't reply, and I won't reply to a reply which isn't there. Cos I can't, can I? :)
Additionally, if you're going to try to pick holes, you ought to consider your Venn Diagrams from primary school.
A Fraternity is by definition a society.
But a society is not by definition a fraternity.
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Posted: 8/7/2009 4:19:31 PM | hmmmm...
Synonyms:
1. association, fellowship, fraternity, brotherhood, company. See circle. 7. fellowship.
the above seems to defy your impression of Greek society being one which is matriarchal in flavour.
Anyway you're going off topic a little and possibly trolling too. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 4:21:14 PM | Having spent some of my formative years in an English tourist town, I would say that some young male tourists see young female locals as another one of the amenities to be sampled.
Having worked the 'tourist' season in Greece too, it can be the same.
Some locals see one thing, some tourists another, but it doesn't stop some locals wanting something OR some tourists wanting something too. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 5:24:13 PM | Meanwhile....back on topic.......
Did the British tourist get what he deserved for harassing this local woman?
To be possibly scarred for the rest of his life - no, he didn't get what he deserved, although the woman may be mentally scarred by the image she had of him waving his genitalia at her.....depending on the size of it of course!
Does the behavior of our fellow countrymen abroad embarrass you as a British citizen?
Yes.
Should the owners of some of these bars take responsibility for selling such cheep booze?
Yes, but ultimately the buck stops with the individual and it's down to them to limit their alcohol consumption and act responsibly. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 6:08:03 PM | I'm embarrassed to admit that I thrashed an apartment I was renting with my fellow countrymen when I was on a J1 visa in the USA .
w were drunk on arrogance but I swear we did not take advantage of any individuals other than our landlords and employers, they charged us too much and paid us too little and deserved it and naturally we spun the cops a story about our mental illnesses etc.
I feel so ashamed.
viewing and perusing this thread, it seems so simplistic, it's not about you it's about having some respect, how difficult could it have been for the youth who suffered 2nd degree burns on his balls due to him acting like a pervert to accept responsibility for his behaviour.... were the boy my son I would have to question his involvement in the situation and make him ..encourage him, to take responsibility for his actions..the British Consulate would be asked to go **** themselves if they encouraged him to take some kind of litigious action against the girl who felt 'that' threatened as a a person through his reprehensible behaviour to take it further..I would encourage his continued sufferring for being a thoughtless twat..
Women should be free from being subjected to that sort of horrible circumstance. | |
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Posted: 8/7/2009 6:20:39 PM | To be honest we bring a lot of this on ourselfs, I remember in 2004 we did a tour of the Eastern bloc countries, everybody was really welcoming, it was great, you go there now and they wont even speak to you, why because of all the stag do's and lads weekends.
Nowdays If I'm going to another country, I avoid the English hot spots, that way the locals haven't been turned against us by our own bad behaivour. | |
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