Five British Pole Dancers Arrested in Corfu Over UNESCO Palace Photoshoot

Five British women were arrested in Corfu, Greece, after they were filmed performing a semi-nude pole dancing photoshoot outside the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George, a 200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. The women, part of a pole dancing group attending a two-week workshop organized by a British pole dancing school, faced charges of violating archaeological law and degrading the site, with local officials stating no permit had been granted for the professional photoshoot. Video footage showed the women in revealing attire performing on a pole under the palace's arches, sparking outrage among residents and online commenters who called the act disrespectful and inappropriate for such a historic landmark. The dancers expressed regret for their actions, claiming they did not understand the seriousness until the video went viral, and their lawyer argued the palace grounds are public and no photography prohibition was clearly posted. The incident has raised concerns about potential damage to the historic site, though no evidence of harm has been reported. The women remain in custody pending legal proceedings, while local authorities emphasize the importance of respecting cultural heritage sites and the requirement of permits for professional photography.