The Greek Parliament has imposed disciplinary measures on Niki party MP Nikos Papadopoulos after he vandalized exhibits at the National Gallery in Athens, claiming they were blasphemous.
Speaker of parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis announced that Papadopoulos would be censured for anti-parliamentary behavior, resulting in a 50% reduction of his parliamentary salary for one month.
On Monday Papadopoulos, accompanied by another individual, forcefully removed and damaged four works of art by Christoforos Katsadiotis, part of an exhibition exploring religious themes.
The National Gallery condemned the attack, stating: “We unequivocally condemn any act of vandalism, violence, and censorship that infringes on the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of artistic expression.”
The MP had previously demanded the removal of the works from Greece’s Minister of Culture, arguing they insulted religious figures.
Following his arrest, he was released due to the misdemeanor classification of the offense. His case will now be referred to Parliament, which must decide whether to lift his immunity for potential prosecution.
Political parties strongly condemned his actions. PASOK and New Left decried the attack as an assault on free expression, warning against censorship and extremism.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists called the act “brutal” and “uncivilized.”
Papadopoulos defended his actions, insisting the exhibition was offensive and questioning the use of public funds for it.
