The Greek opposition party SYRIZA has taken swift disciplinary action, expelling Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and former basketball star Nikos Pappas from its parliamentary group. The move follows a violent altercation on Tuesday night in Strasbourg that has left the Greek journalistic mission in shock and triggered a police manhunt.
According to eyewitness accounts and a formal complaint filed by journalist Nikos Giannopoulos, the assault occurred around 11 PM at a restaurant-bar in central Strasbourg. Pappas allegedly confronted Giannopoulos as he was leaving, claiming the journalist had stepped on him without apologizing. Giannopoulos denied any contact, asserting that the MEP actually tried to trip him.
The situation turned physical in the exit hallway. Pappas, standing nearly 7 feet tall, allegedly grabbed the journalist by the neck from behind and struck him repeatedly.
Legal and political consequences for Nikos Pappas
SYRIZA President Sokratis Famellos announced the immediate removal of Pappas from the Eurogroup, citing “unacceptable conduct.” The party has also initiated proceedings to permanently expel him from the party.
Giannopoulos has filed a formal lawsuit with the French Police in Strasbourg. Because the incident involves physical assault (hand-to-hand violence), it does not fall under the protections of parliamentary immunity.
In a series of Instagram stories, Pappas admitted his reaction was “wrong” but attempted to shift blame. He insinuated that the journalist was in a questionable “state” (implying intoxication or provocation) and claimed he was refraining from further details out of respect for the journalist’s family.
He concluded by stating, “What precedes [an event] is not erased,” suggesting he was provoked.
Related: European Parliament Elections: Do Greeks Care?
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