Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has drawn a sharp distinction between freedom of assembly and racist behavior, warning that demonstrations crossing into the latter will not be tolerated in a rule-of-law state like Greece.
Speaking to Real FM radio, Marinakis reaffirmed the government’s support for the right to protest, including demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian civilians. However, he was clear that certain expressions of protest have crossed a red line.
“Protests are protected by our Constitution and our democracy. There is no person whose heart doesn’t ache at the images of children and civilians in Palestine—or anywhere in the world,” Marinakis said. “But I want to make two observations. First: there is a red line when someone moves from a legitimate protest to a fascist, racist, and aggressive act against a person simply because of their origin, religion, or nationality.”
He emphasized the unacceptable nature of targeting individuals simply because they are Israeli or Jewish, stating:
“It’s one thing to say ‘freedom for Palestine,’ and quite another to tell someone from Israel, who is Jewish, that they are not welcome in this country. Those who do the latter are fascists. Unfortunately, many of them are in Parliament, representing the other face of fascism—the other extreme—which we must confront using all our democratic tools and institutions.”
Law Must Be Upheld Without Extremes
Referring to recent incidents in Syros and Rhodes, Marinakis described the Syros incident as “an unfortunate day” but said it should not be seen as the norm.
“What happened in Rhodes is the rule. The law must be applied. The law stands above all of us,” he said.
He stressed that all citizens must be protected—both those exercising their right to protest and those wishing to enter Greece regardless of nationality or religion:
“We will protect every protest as enshrined in the Constitution, but we will also protect every individual who wishes to come to our country. And those who don’t understand that will face the consequences—calmly, legally, and without excesses.”
Message to Parliament: Democracy Cannot Tolerate Racism
Marinakis also criticized statements by a New Left MP who allegedly declared that Israeli citizens were not welcome in Greece.
“Let them understand—especially some Members of Parliament—that they represent Greek citizens and a democratic system that has endured for 51 years. It is unacceptable for any elected official to say that citizens of another state are not welcome. Such views have no place in the Greek Republic.”
The Greek government appears determined to strike a balance between upholding civil liberties and ensuring that protests do not cross into racism or xenophobia—especially amid heightened tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Source: pagenews.gr