Nationalists attack Greek mayor

Nationalists attack Greek mayor

World May 20, 2018 10:51

thessaloniki - Nationalist extremists have verbally and physically attacked the mayor of the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki, Giannis Boutaris. He was slightly injured. 'What I've experienced is a nightmare', said Boutaris against Greek media Sunday.

Television and news sites showed videos of the incident that occurred on Saturday night. Boutaris, considered one of the most progressive mayors of Greece, was able to flee and prevent worse.

The government and all Greek parties, with the exception of the right-wing extremist Golden Dawn, condemn the attack. 'The attackers were extreme-right criminals,' according to a statement from the office of the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, 'The police will find them and the judiciary will hold them to account.'

The mayor participated in a commemoration for Greeks who were killed or expelled by Ottoman militants in the Black Sea region at the beginning of the last century. Traditionally, nationalists also take part in these celebrations. Some right-wing extremists began insulting Boutaris, he was kicked and bottles and other objects were thrown in his direction. The mayor fell to the ground, but managed to escape with the help of a policeman and two of his companions.

Boutaris argues for a relaxation in relations with neighboring Turkey and for the rights of homosexuals and minorities. He always emphasizes the multicultural character of his city, where in the last century many Jews, Greeks and Turks lived together.

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