SYRIZA MEP admits ‘Wrong Reaction’ after alleged assault in Strasbourg

SYRIZA MEP Nikos Pappas said on Wednesday that he “reacted wrongly” following an incident at a bar in Strasbourg, after allegations that he assaulted a journalist. He said he should have handled the situation differently, describing his actions as a response to what he called a provocation.

French police are investigating the incident, which reportedly occurred late Tuesday night at a bar where Pappas was drinking with colleagues and members of a press delegation.

The journalist involved, Nikos Giannopoulos of Greece’s News24/7 website, said Pappas tripped him as he was leaving the bar with a colleague and then struck him. The incident is said to have taken place around 11:30 p.m.

In a social media post, Pappas said he would not provide further details “out of respect” for the journalist’s family, noting that the matter would be addressed by the authorities and that eyewitnesses were present. He also said his version of events had not yet been fully heard.

Giannopoulos later confirmed he had been assaulted, saying in a brief post that he was well but would not comment further. “I believe the facts speak for themselves,” he wrote, thanking the public for its support.

The journalist has filed a criminal complaint against Pappas with police. Following the allegations, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos announced Pappas’ expulsion from the party’s European Parliament group and called for his immediate removal from the party.