FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The Greek parliament sanctioned Nikolaos Papadopoulos, a deputy from the ultra-conservative nationalist Niki (Victory) party, on Wednesday for vandalizing artworks at the National Gallery in Athens on Monday.
He claimed the artworks were offensive to Christianity.
As a first step, Papadopoulos’ monthly compensation will be reduced by half for one month. The parliament plenary will also decide whether to lift his immunity for potential prosecution.
Papadopoulos removed four paintings by Greek artist Christoforos Katsadiotis from the gallery walls and threw them to the ground, shouting that they were blasphemous. The artworks were part of an exhibition on religious themes.
The National Gallery’s director, associations of artists, and political parties condemned the “uncivilized action” as an attack on free expression.