Far-right Greek lawmaker arrested for seizing artifacts at National Gallery

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - A lawmaker of Greece's far-right Niki (Victory) party was arrested for seizing artifacts at the National Gallery in the capital Athens, public broadcaster ERT reported on Monday.

Nikolaos Papadopoulos stormed the gallery, broke the protective glass and seized artworks, which he claimed offended religion. He was arrested for causing serious damage.

Before the incident, Papadopoulos sent a letter to the gallery’s administration and demanded the removal of certain pieces from exhibition.

He also raised the issue with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni through an official parliamentary question.

The metropolitan of Corfu also expressed protest regarding the same exhibition at the National Gallery, saying it is "anti-Christian and ridiculing the divine."