When the enemy is disguised as a friend

Crete, May 17, 2013

When the enemy is disguised as a friend
by Michael Finn

On the night of May 15^th, death showed its cruel face to 11 year-old  Nikita Onishchenko, disguised as a 20 year-old animator from the Netherlands, who was working at the same hotel resort, in the island of Crete.
Nikita, although been savagely stabbed multiple times by his attacker, managed to escape death, fighting for his life. Nikita confronted his would-be, killer, for stealing his laptop and mobile phone.
Historically, Crete is known for its hospitality, with the Cretan people taking great pride in welcoming guests and making them feel like part of the family.  Hotel guest protection is taken very seriously, as guests deserve nothing but the best.
Terribly, as Europe’s austerity measures force standards to drop in every area, many tour operators have cut costs by employing unqualified and questionable persons, who would never be hired in Greece, and forcing many Greek, (and other), hotel- resorts to use them as entertainers and such. Little Nikita Onishchenko, is the victim of such practices, since this happened at the start of the tourist season, as the attacker had not displayed his criminal behavior up to that tragic moment. 
In a twist of irony, just three days ago, the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Samaras, emphasized to all Government ministers, to take every measure necessary to provide for our tourist guests a truly positive memorable experience.
As I write this article, I have talked with the people of Crete and the sentiment is the same: feelings of sadness for little Nikita and his family, but also embarrassment and anger for the actions of a foreign criminal who took advantage of this beautiful island. Crete was, is, and will remain a safe place.
 The people of Crete wish little Nikita a full recovery, and to the Onishchenko family, here and in Russia, may God be with you during these difficult times.
Justice must be served so this never happens to anyone else.

Michael Finn is a freelancer, living in Crete.
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