Brussels may feel far from Athens, but hate knows no borders. On March 10, Greek far-right Member of the Parlement Nikos Papadopoulos (party Niki, “Victory”) stormed into the National Gallery in Athens and vandalised artworks from the exhibition The Allure of the Bizarre, claiming they were “blasphemous.”
Breaking a glass display, he seized pieces that caricatured religious icons, shouting they “offended religion.” This violent outburst followed failed attempts to censor the show through parliament and a formal letter to the gallery.
Papadopoulos, a doctor turned politician representing Thessaloniki’s 2nd district, was briefly detained and sanctioned by parliament. His party, Niki, blends religious fundamentalism and nationalism.
Art reflects freedom and dissent. In moments like these, queer communities—and allies—must stand firm in defending spaces of creation against fanaticism.
This article was written thanks to ANTIVIRUS, as KET.brussels is part of the European LGBTQIA* Media Association.
—
You may also like
-
State-sponsored discos? Lithuania’s cheeky bid to boost the birth rate
Lithuania is taking an unusually nightlife-friendly approach to its demographic crisis, floating the idea of
-
Colombia: Catholic Leader Washes Trans Sex Workers’ Feet in Historic Act of Inclusion
In Colombia, a powerful moment unfolded that reached far beyond church walls. The country’s highest
-
Ignacio Lago makes history in Argentina: Colón winger becomes the first active male pro to come out
Argentine winger Ignacio “Nacho” Lago has made history by becoming the first active professional male footballer in Argentina to
-
From the United States comes another alarming blow for LGBTQ+ rights
The latest news from the United States is deeply worrying for LGBTQ+ people and their
-
Various Voices 2026: Brussels Prepares for Europe’s Biggest LGBTQI+ Choir Festival
From 24 to 28 June 2026, Brussels will host Various Voices, Europe’s flagship LGBTQI+ choir