PASOK and SYRIZA 'unequivocally condemns' attack on artworks by Niki MP Papadopoulos

Main opposition PASOK-Movement for Change on Monday "unequivocally condemned the vandalism and destruction of exhibits by 'Niki' MP Nikolaos Papadopoulos" targeting a temporary exhibition at the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum in Athens, on the grounds that they offend religion.

"Acts of vandalism that turn on works of art but chiefly against freedom of expression cannot be tolerated in a democratic society," said Nagia Grigorakou, the party's MP for Lakonia responsible for issues of culture, adding:

"Every action that attempts to gag, censor or destroy works of art is an attack on democracy, culture and freedom of thought. In a society that respects the values of democracy, difference of opinion is expressed through dialogue and not with acts of hate and destruction," she said.

SYRIZA-PA calls incident with Niki MP 'unacceptable', calls for 'exemplary punishment'Main opposition

"Freedom of artistic expression is fundamental for a democratic society and non-negotiable. The same applies in the case of today's unacceptable incident caused by a deputy of Niki targeting works of art on display in the National Gallery," SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance said in an announcement on Monday.

"Culture is a space of freedom, dialogue and critical thought. Instead of division, let us strengthen dialogue. Respect for religious beliefs is self-evident but the answer cannot be censorship, violence and police intervention," the announcement added.

It concluded by expressing support for art, democracy in culture and every effort to gag freedom of expression, seeking "exemplary punishment" for the MP in accordance with the law and Parliamentary rules.

The MP Nikos Papadopoulos was arrested on Monday after he vandalised display cases and works of art at the National Gallery which he considered "blasphemous".

AMNA