MR Code III

TITLE TEN – DOMESTIC SECURITY

Public Law No. 14 [The Passport and Identification Card Act] (2/16/2009)

• Chapter I [Preface]
  • §1 For purposes of national security, the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain recognizes three types of individuals: citizens, resident aliens, and tourists.
  • §2 Stateless individuals and aliens without employment may neither enter nor reside in the Monastic Republic.
  • §3 Tourists may stay only in facilities established for that purpose.
  • §4 Tourists may be guests in the homes of citizens with the express approval of the Hegumen Constable at the request of the citizen-host.

• Chapter II [Identification]
  • Article 1 [Citizens’ Passports]
    • §1 Passports shall conform to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. All such passports shall contain biometric data.
    • §2 The passport cover shall be red with gold lettering and the pages light green. The cover shall contain the complete coat-of-arms of the Monastic Republic with the words “η Γαληνότατη Μοναστική Δημοκρατία Αγίου Όρους” across the top in gold letters and the words “The Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain” across the bottom in gold letters.
    • §3 Passports shall be issued in Greek and in English.
    • §4 The introduction to the passports of the Monastic Republic shall read, “His Grace, the Archimandrite of the Holy Mountain, requests, in the Name of the People of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain, of all whom it may concern that the bearer of this passport be allowed to pass without let or hindrance and, in case of need, be given all lawful assistance and protection."
    • §5 Applications for a passport for a minor require the signature of both parents or guardians should there be two.
  • Article 2 [Aliens' Passports]
    • §1 Passports shall be accepted from the citizen of any country with which the Monastic Republic has diplomatic relations.
    • §2 Citizens of the Hellenic Kingdom do not need a passport to enter the Monastic Republic, but they must have on their persons at all times a government identification card of some sort which contains a current photograph. This government identification card must be presented when making any purchase within the Monastic Republic.
    • §3 If accused of a crime in the Monastic Republic, a non-resident shall surrender his passport or identification card to the lawful authority. These shall be returned to the bearer if he is acquitted of the crime. If convicted, they shall be retained by the lawful authority until the sentence adjudicated shall have been served.
  • Article 3 [Identification Cards]
    • §1 Every citizen shall be issued an identification card, light green in color, which must be carried on the person at all times. This card shall contain the full name of the bearer, his current photograph, a photograph in digital format, his identification number, his current address, his birth date, both thumb prints, his blood type, and other items to be determined by Law. Identification cards shall not contain any reference to the bearer’s religion.
    • §2 The identification cards of monks need not be carried on their person, but may be kept by their hegumen in a secure place. Should the monk leave the Holy Mountain, he must carry his identification care with him.
    • §3 Resident aliens are those individuals who have entered the Monastic Republic with the intent of becoming citizens at the expiration of the ten-year waiting period. These shall likewise be issued identification cards, light blue in color, which shall contain the same information as the citizen identification card. The card shall also contain the date at which the alien’s residency is to expire.
    • §4 Non-resident aliens are those who reside temporarily in the Monastic Republic for business purposes. These shall likewise be issued identification cards, light red in color, which shall contain the same information as the citizen identification card. The card shall also contain the date at which the alien’s residency is to expire.
    • §3 These identification cards shall, when requested, be shown to any member of the Gendarmery who so identifies himself. It shall also be lawful for a merchant or any of his staff to view this identification card when the bearer makes a purchase.
    • §4 All sales receipts of purchases by a non-resident shall contain the identification number of the non-resident.
    • §5 These identification cards must be presented when opening any kind of bank account in the Monastic Republic or when initiating any type of financial venture.

Public Law No. 7 [The Firearms Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 Possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain is prohibited. To do so is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.
• §2 Licenses shall be granted to own a firearm only for those firearms that can be used legitimately for sport. A notation that such a license has been granted shall be made in the Citizens’ Registry and on the individual’s identification card. The definition of sport is at the discretion of the Hegumen Constable.
• §3 Application for a license to possess a firearm must be accompanied by a psychological profile attesting to the fitness of the applicant to handle a firearm responsibly verified by a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed to practice in the Monastic Republic, and a certificate asserting that the applicant has passed the required course in how to handle the weapon for which the license is requested.
• §4 It shall be illegal to bring any type of firearm into the Monastic Republic without express approval of the Hegumen Constable. To do so is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.
• §5 The commission of a crime using a firearm, real or presumed, is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.

TITLE ELEVEN – WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE

Public Law No. 5 [The National Defense Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A treaty shall be entered into with the Hellenic Kingdom to provide for national defense.
• §2 Any activity in the Monastic Republic which threatens the security of the Hellenic Kingdom shall be considered a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.

TITLE TWELVE – THE GENDARMERY

Public Law No. 6 [The Gendarmery Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A Gendarmery shall be established in the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain for the purpose of maintaining law, order and security in the Monastic Republic.
• §2 A detachment of Gendarmery shall be maintained in each of the demes.
• §3 The Gendarmery of the Monastic Republic is tasked with:
  • a. maintaining law and public order;
  • b. investigating crime in accordance with the principles of the Code of Criminal Procedure;
  • c. controlling and supervising road traffic;
  • d. patroling the territorial waters of the Monastic Republic;
  • e. assisting authorities to fulfill their duties in keeping with the respective laws and provisions;
  • f. preventing crime and accidents;
  • g. assisting in cases of natural or man-made disasters,
  • h. searching for persons reported missing, and
  • i. staffing the customs stations.
• §4 The Gendarmery shall consist of a colonel in charge, six assisting officers and a minimum of 30 enlisted personnel in each detachment.
• §5 The Ouranoupoli Gendarmery shall staff the Dafni station.
• §6 Gendarmery personnel may be deprived of rank, honours, and pensions only in the manner described by Law.
• §7 Gendarmery personnel may enter the Holy Mountain only by invitation.

TITLE FIFTEEN – EDUCATION

Public Law No. 29 [The Museum of Athonite Antiquities Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A museum to be called the Museum of Athonite Antiquities shall be housed in the Byzantine Tower, so that the treasures of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain can be made available to women.
• §2 The museum shall be provided with the latest technological safeguards to protect the antiquities which are housed within its walls.
• §3 A researcher, man or woman, may request of the Hegumen Castellan that a certain work of art or certain works of art by made available to him or her at the museum. An advance notice of several weeks is necessary for this.

TITLE NINETEEN – THE CENSUS

Public Law No. 18 [The Public Census Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A census of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain shall be taken every five years.
• §2 The information gathered in the census shall be recorded immediately in the registers of the demes and the monasteries as the data is acquired.
• §3 Two copies of the census registers shall be recorded electronically and stored in two separate locations.
• §4 The Hegumen Seneschal shall present the cost of hiring temporary workers for the census to the Hegumen Seneschal for inclusion in the Annual Budget.

TITLE TWENTY – COMMERCE AND TRADE

Public Law No. 27 [The Livestock Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 Cattle and horses shall not be permitted within the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain.
• §2 Exceptions shall be made for the island of Ammanouli, should a citzen be willing to incur the expense of maintaining horses.
• §3 The Hegumen Archiater shall keep a close watch on the health and well-being of any such horses stabled on the island of Ammanouli.
• §4 Citizens may keep donkeys and goats, but they must be strictly controlled. All such livestock must be permanently tagged with information that will identify the owner. Such tagging shall be carried out through the office of the Hegumen Seneschal.
• §5 A penalty to be determined by law shall be enacted from any citizen whose livestock is found on the Holy Mountain.
• §6 Any type of domestic fowl may be kept by the citizens, but they must be strictly controlled.
• §7 Dogs and cats may be kept as household pets in the Monastic Republic.
  • a. Dogs, when off the citizen’s property, must be on a leash and in the control of the citizen at all times.
  • b. Cats must be kept in the citizen’s house at all times. They may not be allowed to wander. Any cat so found shall be caught by the Animal Control and the owner fined.
• §8 Every dog and cat must be permanently tagged with information that will identify the owner.
• §9 Every dog and cat must be neutered. Only citizens who own licensed kennels for the purpose of breeding may possess un-neutered dogs and cat.

TITLE TWENTY-ONE – CONSERVATION

Public Law No. 30 [The National Wildlife Sanctuary Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The entire Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain, including its territorial waters, shall be protected as a Natural Wildlife Sanctuary.
• §2 Scuba diving is not permitted in the territorial waters of the Monastic Republic. Skin-diving and snorkeling are permitted.

Public Law No. 31 [The Golden Eagle Protection Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1Whoever, within the Monastic Republic, without being permitted to do so as hereinafter provided, shall knowingly, or with wanton disregard for the consequences of his act, takes; possesses; sells; purchases; barters; offers to sell, purchase or barter; transports; exports or imports, at any time or in any manner, any golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetus), alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof of the golden eagle, or whoever violates any permit or regulation issued pursuant to this Act, shall be fined not more than $ 5,000 and imprisoned for not more than six months.
• §2 In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section such person shall be fined not more than $10,000 and imprisoned for not more than one two years.
• §3 The commission of each taking or other act prohibited by this section with respect to a golden eagle shall constitute a separate violation of this section.
• §4 One-half of any such fine, but not to exceed $ 2,500, shall be paid to the person or persons giving information which leads to conviction.
• §5 Whenever, after investigation, the Hegumen Seneschal shall determine that it is compatible with the preservation of the golden eagle to permit the taking, possession, and transportation of specimens thereof for the scientific or exhibition purposes of public museums, scientific societies, and zoological parks, or that it is necessary to permit the taking of such eagles for the protection of wildlife or of agricultural or other interests in any particular locality, he may authorize the taking of such eagles pursuant to regulations which he is hereby authorized to prescribe.
• §6 On request of the demarchs, the Hegumen Seneschal shall authorize the taking of golden eagles for the purpose of seasonally protecting domesticated flocks and herds, in accordance with regulations established under the provisions of this section.
• §7 Since the whole territory of the Monastic Republic is a Wildlife Natural Preserve, falconry in any form is prohibited. Violation of this regulation shall result in a fine of not more than $1,000.
• §8 Any gendarme may, without warrant, arrest any person committing in his presence or view a violation of this Act or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder and take such person immediately for examination or trial before an officer or court of competent jurisdiction; may execute any warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of this Act; and may, with or without a warrant, as authorized by law, search any place.
• §9 All golden eagles, or parts, nests, or eggs thereof, taken; possessed; sold; purchased; bartered; offered for sale, purchase, or barter; transported; exported or imported contrary to the provisions of this Act, or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder, and all weapons, traps, nets, and other equipment, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation used to aid in the taking; possessing; selling; purchasing; bartering; offering for sale, purchase, or barter; transporting; exporting or importing of any bird, or part, nest, or egg thereof, in violation of this Act or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture to the Monastic Republic.
• §10 Pursuant to this Act, a refuge for the rehabilitation and care of golden eagles shall be established as soon as the need arises.
• §11 All fines levied under this Act shall be used for the maintenance of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic.
• §12 All property confiscated under this Act shall be used for the maintenance of or sold to provide funds for the upkeep of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic.
• §13 All fines levied under this Act shall be used for the enhancement of the wildlife conservation program of the Monastic Republic.
• §14 Golden eagles in need of care and rehabilitation shall be accepted by and become the property of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic.

Public Law No. 32 [The Border Planting Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A row of olive trees shall be planted from shore to shore at the border of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain and the Second Hellenic Empire.
• §2 A row of olive trees shall be planted from shore to shore at the border of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain and the Holy Mountain.

TITLE TWENTY-THREE – CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Public Law No. 13 [The Crimes and Penalties Act] (2/16/2009)

• Chapter 1 [Definitions]
  • §1 The following crimes shall be considered felonies in the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain: aggravated assault and/or battery, abortion, arson, burglary, illegal drug abuse or sales, embezzlement, grand theft, treason, espionage, racketeering, robbery, murder, rape, kidnapping, and fraud. Commission of these felonies is punishable with mandatory imprisonment, the length of which is to be determined by Law. They are also punishable with punitive damages and/or compensation to the victim, the amount of which is to be determined by Law.
  • §2 Assault is defined as any act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence. Aggravated assault and/or battery is defined as assault with evidence of a deadly weapon, real or presumed, which may be an object or a part of the human body.
  • §3 Any person involved in procuring an abortion shall be subject to the penalties of Law when he or she returns to the Monastic Republic.

• Chapter 2 [Penalties]
  • §1 Felons lose their right to vote, are ineligible to run for public office, may not sit on a jury, and may not hold any government position.
  • §2 And crime committed while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in an increase in the penalty exacted.
  • §3 Any misdemeanor committed while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in a mandatory prison sentence of not more than six months.
  • §4 Felons may not have in their possession any kind of firearm, ammunition or body armor.
  • §5 A felon who is not a citizen of the Monastic Republic, i.e., a tourist, a resident alien, or a non-resident alien shall be deported after completion of the sentence.
  • §6 After completing one-fifth of the sentence adjudicated, the Archimandrite may commute the remainder of the sentence of the non-citizen to deportation.
  • §5 Should his home nation request that the non-citizen felon be returned, an indemnification will be required of the home nation.

TITLE TWENTY-FOUR– CUSTOMS DUTIES

Public Law No. 12 [The Port of Entry Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The Deme of Ouranoupoli shall be the only point of entry into and exit from the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain.
• §2 The Law shall provide for duties on items brought into the Monastic Republic by citizens from nations other than the Hellenic Kingdom.
• §3 By treaty with the Hellenic Kingdom, citizens of the Monastic Republic carrying valid passports, shall be exempt from any customs duties when entering the Hellenic Kingdom at any port of entry, provided they are destined immediately for their home in the Monastic Republic.

TITLE TWENTY-SIX – INTOXICATING LIQUORS

Public Law No. 19 [Alcoholic Beverages Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 All alcoholic beverages, with the exception of beer and ale, will be sold in state-operated stores.

TITLE TWENTY-SEVEN – FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE

Public Law No. 9 [The Diplomats Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The post of diplomatic representation from the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Moutain to another nation is not compatible with the holding of any other public office.

TITLE TWENTY-EIGHT - TRANSPORTATION

Public Law No. 21 [The Transportation Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The aviation code for the helicoters of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain shall be DM.
• §2 Toll ferry service from to and from the three towns shall be provided.
• §3 A toll electric tram service shall be provided for intraurban and interurban service in the Lowland.
• §4 Taxi service by means of non-fossil fuel vehicles may be offered by citizens. Such service shall require a license from the Hegumen Constable. Fares for such services shall be established by Law.

TITLE TWENTY-NINE – ROADS

Public Law No. 22 [The Paved Roads Act] (2/16/2009)

• §1 Paved roads shall be maintained in the Lowland and the Isles.

TITLE THIRTY – NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS

Public Law No. 24 [Xerxes Canal Reconstruction Act] 3/4/09

• §1 Given that the Xerxes Canal is virtually impassable, the Canal shall be reconstructed to a surface width of perticas ( ft., 162 m.), a bottom width of (90 m.), and a depth of perticas ( ft., 11 m.).
• §2 To this end, the Holy Synod shall create the Xerxes Canal Authority (hereinafter CXA), which shall be composed of the three demarchs and six other citizens, two from each of the demes, to manage the construction and operation of the Canal.
• §3 The CXA Administration building shall be located in Aktí.
• §4 This Commission shall draw up its own governing by-laws which shall be submitted to the Holy Synod for approval.
• §5 A toll, determined by Law, shall be exacted from vessels wishing to use the Canal and shall vary as the needs of maintaining the Canal change.
• §6 The Canal is not to realize more than a ten percent profit from the tolls exacted above the cost of maintaining the Canal.
• §7 Any profit realized from the Canal may be used by the Holy Synod to supplement any other item in the annual budget.
• §8 The CXA shall submit an annual operating budget to the Archimandrite for submission to the Holy Synod.
• §9 Operation of the Canal includes, but is not limited to, dredging of the Canal to maintain a proper depth, maintenance of the bridges (in cooperation with the Department of Roads), maintenance of the landscaped banks of the Canal and of the paved foot/bicycle paths thereon, the planting and care of orange trees the length of the canal on either side, and the salaries of those employed to maintain the Canal.
• §10 The Gendarmery shall patrol the Canal. A unit from Ouranoupoli shall patrol the western half and a unit from Aktí shall patrol the eastern half.
• §11 The purchase and maintenance of adequate patrol boats and the salaries of the gendarmes shall constitute a separate budget item submitted to the Archimandrite by the Gendarmery.
• §12 The cost of reconstructing the Canal shall also include the cost of constructing a bridge over the Canal for vehicular traffic on the Intercity Road.
• §13 The following regulations shall apply to vessels navigating the Canal:
  • a. Hazardous or dangerous cargo may not pass through the Canal. A stiff fine shall be exacted for violation of this restriction, which could include imprisonment for the captain of the vessel.
  • b. Radios shall be tuned to the assigned frequency at all times during passage through the Canal. Signs announcing the frequency shall be posted at both entrances.
  • c. Passage through the Canal is permitted only in daylight hours. Decreased visibility shall also be a reason to prohibit traffic on the Canal.
  • d. Wind-sailing shall be prohibited on the Canal.
  • e. Small hand-powered vessels, such as rowboats and canoes, shall be prohibited on the Canal.
  • f. Power-driven vessels may set their sails.
  • g. Traffic shall pass to the right.
  • h. Stopping the vessel shall not be permitted at any time during passage through the Canal, except in the case of an emergency. In such a case the vessel in distress must notify the XCA authority immediately. The XCA will send assistance.
  • i. It shall be permitted to tow one other vessel the length of which shall not exceed 15 m. The minimum speed while towing shall not be less than 9 km./hr.
  • j. Appropriate speed limits of vessels navigating the Canal shall be determined by the Gendarmery and posted clearly and at several places along the length of the Canal.
  • k. The toll shall be based on the type of vessel, its actual tonnage, and its overall length. The following categories of vessels are recognized:
    • Category A - cargo vessels, fishing boats, tugboats, warships, and special purpose vessels
    • Category B - barges, floating cranes, and floating docks.
    • Category C - private pleasure craft and fishing boats registered and berthed in the Monastic Republic.
    • Category D - passenger and cruise ships capable of carrying more than 25 passengers.
  • l. No toll shall be exacted of the Monastic Republic's tour boats.
• §13 The required toll shall be transmitted electronically before entering the Canal at either end.
• §14 A schedule shall list the costs of hiring the Monastic Republic's tugboats, pilot boats, cranes and barges.