Teenager Arrested for Vandalizing National Hero’s Statue in Thessaloniki

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in Thessaloniki for desecrating the statue of Greek national hero Antonis Katsantonis.

The incident occurred in the municipality of Kordelios Evosmos, where the teenager filmed the act of vandalism and shared it on social media. Outraged by the incident, the statue's sculptor, Giorgos Kikotis, called on local authorities to identify and take action against the teen and his group, urging them to “set an example.”

Municipal workers quickly cleaned the defaced statue, but the minor later expressed regret and offered to clean it himself. Responding to criticism on social media, he wrote:

"I am not Albanian. I am a Greek Gypsy, and I didn’t know the significance of this statue. When I found out, I was devastated. I will go there and clean it myself. I’ll kneel and humbly apologise. I’ll even make a video and post it on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok."

Despite his apology, local authorities proceeded with legal action. Police arrested the teenager, and he now faces charges of insulting symbols or places of special national or religious value. He is expected to appear before a prosecutor soon.

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