Greek far-right lawmaker arrested for seizing artworks at National Gallery
Greek police officers stand guard outside the National Gallery in Athens after Nikolaos Papadopoulos, a member of parliament from the right-wing Niki party, was detained for allegedly attacking artworks at an exhibition on Monday, March 10, 2025. (Photo via Thanassis Stavrakis)
A lawmaker from Greece’s far-right Niki (Victory) party has been arrested for forcibly seizing artifacts at the National Gallery in Athens, according to public broadcaster ERT.
Nikolaos Papadopoulos stormed the gallery, shattered protective glass, and took hold of artworks he claimed were offensive to religion.
He was taken into custody for causing significant damage to the exhibits.
Prior warnings, political intervention
Before the incident, Papadopoulos had sent a formal letter to the gallery’s administration, demanding the removal of specific pieces from the exhibition.
Additionally, he raised concerns with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni through an official parliamentary question, seeking action against what he deemed inappropriate displays.
Religious protest adds to tension
The controversy escalated further when the Metropolitan of Corfu also voiced his discontent over the exhibition.
He condemned the display, labeling it as “anti-Christian” and accusing it of ridiculing religious beliefs.
The arrest of the lawmaker has ignited a debate over the balance between artistic freedom and religious sensitivities in Greece, a country with deep cultural and religious roots.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the damage caused during the incident.
