Syriza MEP Nikos Pappas Suspended After Alleged Assault on Journalist in Strasbourg

Greek MEP Nikos Pappas has been suspended from the left-wing Syriza party and referred to its ethics committee following allegations that he physically assaulted a journalist in a Strasbourg bar.

The incident reportedly occurred late on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at a venue frequented by MEPs and journalists covering the European Parliament plenary session. Nikos Giannopoulos, a reporter for Greece's News24/7 website, claims that as he was preparing to leave with a colleague around 11:30 p.m., Pappas deliberately extended his legs to trip him.

When confronted, Pappas allegedly challenged Giannopoulos to "go outside and settle it." As the journalist continued toward the exit, Pappas is accused of striking him twice on the head from behind, causing him to fall. Witnesses report Pappas later justifying the act with remarks such as "How could I not hit you when you're like that?"

Giannopoulos returned to the bar to inform colleagues of the assault and subsequently filed a formal police complaint with Strasbourg authorities on Wednesday, December 17. French police have launched an investigation, with the charge potentially falling outside MEP immunity protections.

In response, Syriza party president Sokratis Famellos immediately suspended Pappas from the party's European Parliament group, describing his behavior as "unacceptable." The party has initiated proceedings for his potential full expulsion.

A Greek government spokesperson condemned the incident, stating it followed a pattern of "disparaging and aggressive behavior" by Pappas toward multiple individuals, accusing Syriza of previously employing "silence and political cover-up." The statement added that the party only acted decisively after this extreme episode, calling it evidence of hypocrisy from those who "pretend to be preachers of morality and the rule of law."

Pappas, a former professional basketball player and prominent Syriza figure, has not publicly commented on the allegations. Some reports mention he later sent apologetic messages to Giannopoulos, which were not responded to.