Strasbourg police are reportedly seeking Greek MEP Nikos Pappas after he allegedly punched a Greek journalist late Tuesday night.

Journalist Giannopoulos, employed at Greek media outlet News247.gr, accused the now former SYRIZA MEP – he was expelled following the alleged attack – of striking him at a restaurant.

According to the complaint officially filed by the victim, Pappas, who was eating at the restaurant where Giannopoulos was also present with other press colleagues, tripped him while he was exiting the restaurant.

The incident escalated into a scuffle with Nikos Pappas reportedly suggesting they step outside to “settle it.” The journalist was then attacked as he attempted to leave the venue.

According to the complaint, Pappas struck the journalist at least twice on the back of the head. Other members of the Greek delegation who were at the venue intervened, while the journalist struggled to recover.

The journalist filed a formal complaint and lodged a lawsuit with the local police station. Pappas is now being sought under the flagrante delicto procedure. The Greek lawmaker faces charges of assault committed by a public official acting in an institutional capacity while in a calm mental state.

Expulsion from SYRIZA

Shortly after the incident became public, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos decided to expel Nikos Pappas from the party’s delegation in the European Parliament and referred him to the party’s ethics committee with a recommendation for expulsion from the party.