Greece : Political Condemnation Following Assault on Two Transgender Individuals

Assault on Transgender Individuals in Greece

Prime Minister’s Declaration Against Intolerance

In Thessaloniki, a city celebrated for its rich historical blend of cultures and ideas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leading the conservative party, voiced a powerful message against intolerance in his speech for the European elections campaign. “Thessaloniki has always stood as a historical melting pot of diverse cultures and philosophies,” Mitsotakis articulated. He emphasized that there is no room for intolerance in society.

Presidential Response to the Assault

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou also spoke out, stating in an announcement that such acts of aggression fall below the standards of Greek civilization. She firmly declared that any form of violence targeted at citizens or political figures due to their identity or life choices is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Greece.

Details of the Transgender Assault Incident

The incident in question involved an assault on two 21-year-old transgender individuals in Thessaloniki. As reported by authorities, the pair were chased and subjected to verbal insults, spitting, and bottle throwing by a large group of youths on the city’s central Aristote Square. The victims were forced to seek refuge in a nearby restaurant until police intervention.

Arrests and Legal Actions

Police action following the incident led to the arrest of 21 individuals, including several minors.

Context: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption

This event occurred shortly after Greece passed landmark legislation legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, championed by Mitsotakis’s New Democracy party. The legislation faced strong opposition from the influential Greek Orthodox Church, which even threatened to excommunicate lawmakers who supported the bill.

Opposition and Public Reaction

Despite the Church’s opposition, the bill passed with significant support from left-leaning and socialist parties, although nearly a third of Mitsotakis’s own party members either voted against it or abstained. Prior to the legislation’s approval, around 4,000 individuals demonstrated against the reform outside the Parliament, many carrying religious icons and crucifixes.