Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) announced it was starting a series of self-defence lessons for its employees following a spite of attacks by citizens in the course of their auditing duties.

The training program is expected to begin on September 25 and the workouts will be free of charge every Wednesday at 17:30, at the premises of Agios Kosmas, in Elliniko.

The incidents in Kerkini, Serres, where tax inspectors were reportedly attacked by 40-50 guests at a wedding feast, as well as the case in Megnesia where an auditor suffered a fractured arm, and another in Serres which resulted in an inspector suffering a concussion led authorities to take more urgent action.

Meanwhile, apart from the concerns raised by the IAPR over the physical attacks against Tax inspectors, the leadership at the Finance Ministry has also expressed its fears over the rise in attacks.

According to sources, this had lead the Ministry to be considering the imposition of strict fines and penalties against offenders who violently accost employees doing their jobs.