Greeks Face Prosecution for Shouting "Free Palestine" at Israeli Tourists

In a controversial case, four Greeks are being prosecuted for alleged "racist violence" after shouting “Free Palestine” at Israeli tourists on a beach in Vouliagmeni, southeast Attica, on May 27.

The tourists reportedly responded by boasting about their wealth, implying it gave them unchecked power.

The incident escalated when one of the Greeks was arrested for chanting slogans condemning the ongoing violence in Palestine. Later, three others who went to the police station to support their friend were also detained, all charged with illegal violence motivated by racism under Article 82A of the Greek Criminal Code.

According to the prosecution, the “racist violence” consisted of the Israeli tourists feeling compelled to leave the beach, despite having no obligation to do so. However, the case has sparked outrage, as the slogan was a call for justice for Palestinians, not an attack on the tourists’ race, religion, or nationality. Critics argue the charges align with Zionist narratives and misapply the law, which defines racist motives as targeting specific characteristics like race or religion—none of which apply here.

The Athens Single-Member Criminal Court, visibly surprised by the charges, postponed the trial to June 10, and the four were released. Defense attorney Anny Paparrousou called the case unprecedented, arguing that equating a political slogan with racist violence distorts the law. She noted that similar charges are rarely applied in clear-cut cases of racist violence, such as the 2018 lynching of Zak Kostopoulos, where no racist motive was recognized despite evidence.

The case highlights a broader trend of state mechanisms conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism, a narrative often pushed by far-right governments. As the trial looms, it raises questions about freedom of expression and the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress political dissent.

Source: Adapted from efimerida ton syntakton (efsyn.gr)