MP Nikos Papadopoulos on a Facebook post accused Niki’s party’s parliamentary group of punishing him for the alleged vandalism he committed at the National Gallery.
He claims his posts are being blocked from the party’s social media platforms.
In his post, which includes a photo of a sinking boat, Papadopoulos likens the decision to the style of a “Soviet Politburo” through “silencing of an elected representative”.
“You continue to not upload my posts on the social media (SMS) of NIKI, without having received any official or personal information. Your attitude is beyond cowardly and shameful.” he said.
The Niki MP was taken into custody at the Athens General Police Directorate (GADA) on charges of aggravated criminal damage. He has since been released under grounds of misdemeanour.
According to reports, Papadopoulos forcibly entered the National Gallery smashing the protective glass and attempting to seize Christoforos Katsadiotis’ paintings while shouting that they insulted Christian Orthodoxy. He threw the artworks to the ground causing further damage when security staff intervened.
The incident has caused debates in Greece around censorship and freedom of speech.
