An MP of ultra-orthodox nationalist party Niki stormed the National Gallery in Athens on Monday morning, broke protective glass, grabbed and destroyed paintings, shouting that they “insult our religion.”
54-year-old MP Nikolaos Papadopoulos, a thoracic surgeon by profession from Thessaloniki, had also ‘advertized’ his ‘achievement’ on social media targeting other like-minded Christian-Talibans.
The MP has been arrested and faces charges of aggravated vandalism, which is a felony, state broadcaster ERT reported.
Prior to the incident, Papadopoulos had sent a letter to the gallery’s administration requesting the removal of certain pieces from the exhibition and had also tabled an official question to Parliament for Culture Minister Lina Mendoni accusing her of “anti-Christian dogmatism.”
The Exhibition
Exhibition “the Allure of the Strange” features ten Greek artists, who exhibit their works, where “from different starting points they embrace and depict the strange, the hybrid, and the grotesque,” states the exhibition’s Press Release.
The exhibition started on January 22 and is scheduled to end on September 30, 2025.
According to media, one painting that “drove the arch-conservative MP crazy” depicts the “Virgin Mary” holding “baby Jesus Christ” in her arms. He commented on his website that “it directly insults their holy faces.”
he second painting that angered Papadopoulos depicts “Saint George” and is entitled “The Butcher of the Avenue.”
Both painting are artworks by Christoforos Katsadiotis.
These two works are clearly influenced by the thematic paintings “Los caprichos” by Francisco Goya, which satirize Spanish society and the behaviors of people related to immorality and superstition.
The artist is said to have intended these paintings to “mimic censorship and human flaws,” as they deal with nightmares, themes of corruption, greed, superstition, and mental disorders—a mirror of society.
MP Nikolaos Papadopoulos remained arrested, however, still in the National Gallery on Monday afternoon, until the judicial procedure is concluded as he is protected by “lawmakers’ immunity.”
The National Gallery has reportedly temporarily suspended its operation today, a new announcement is to be issued later on Monday.
Apology is not enough. Resignation is required.