Greek MP Charged After Vandalizing Artworks at National Gallery

Nikos Papadopoulos, a lawmaker from the ultra-Orthodox Niki party, vandalized four artworks at Greece's National Gallery, claiming they were blasphemous and offensive to Christianity. The attack, which involved removing the artworks from the wall and throwing them to the ground, led to significant damage and condemnation from the Gallery's Board of Directors as an assault on artistic freedom. Papadopoulos, who was briefly detained and charged with a misdemeanour, previously criticized the exhibition for its depictions of religious figures and stated that the art insulted Orthodox Christian beliefs. The incident has sparked outrage among artists and civil rights advocates who emphasize the importance of protecting artistic expression from censorship. The Culture Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and refrained from acts of censorship, while the Hellenic League for Human Rights condemned the attack as a violation of constitutional freedoms. The gallery has since released photographs of the damage and is undertaking restoration efforts.