Scandal in Greece: Man assaulted by Police for displaying palestinian flag

A disturbing incident on the Greek island of Crete has reignited national debates around police brutality, freedom of expression, and discrimination. According to local media, on Wednesday, April 30, at around 5:00 p.m., a driver traveling along the coastal road in Heraklion (Kandiye) was stopped by a special police unit (OPKE) for displaying a Palestinian flag on the window of his vehicle.

The man, who had his 4-year-old child in the car at the time, complied with the officers’ signal and pulled over. As he attempted to cautiously reverse closer to the officers—reportedly to avoid leaving his child alone on the roadside—officers drew their weapons and pointed them at him.

The driver protested, saying their actions endangered his child. However, officers allegedly responded, "You are the one putting your child in danger with your actions."

Despite repeatedly insisting that he was engaged in no illegal activity and that he was merely displaying the flag of a UN-recognized state, the man was subjected to what was described as a violent search in front of his child. The young child reportedly began crying in fear during the encounter.

The police took the man's identification details and threatened to take him to the Crete Police Department, but ultimately did not proceed, citing the presence of his child.

The incident has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, who condemned the police’s actions as an abuse of power and a violation of freedom of expression. As of now, no official statement has been released by Greek authorities.

The event has fueled fresh criticism of the Greek police’s conduct and raised questions about discriminatory practices and civil liberties in the country.

Photo credit: Eurokinissi