Athens 2023: Anti-minority Rhetoric

Country                                                Greece 

Year                                                       2023

Affected group/minority              Turkish community in Western Thrace, Macedonian minority in Greece

Perpetrator                                       T. Axelos, Political Party “Greek Solution” (Eliniki Lysi)

Type of case                                       Hate speech

Type of act                                          Written attack

Media:                                                 Online platforms / communication channels

Reactions:                                           no information

Brief description:                            

In October 2023, the Athens News Agency - Macedonian Press Agency (ANA-MPA) published the anti-minority statement of the representative of the far-right party Greek Solution T. Axelos.

In connection with the Human Rights Forum held at the time in Thessaloniki, the politician openly accuses the ruling party Nea Dimokratia (New Democracy) of criminal activity for the government’s tolerance to and support to the Greek minorities of Thracian Turks and Macedonians. Describing the Forum as a “nationally dangerous challenge” demonstrating tolerance to “those who threaten the national integrity” of the country, Axelos denies the right of the members of the two communities to identify. In addition, the statement attempted to fuel tensions by presenting the Macedonian and the Turkish minority as a national danger.   

The Solun (Thessaloniki) Human Rights Forum, organised by the international organisation United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) in partnership with the Greece-based NPO Macedonian Movement to Promote Mother Language "Krste Misirkov", aimed to raise awareness and discuss the institutionalised discrimination, exclusion, inequality, and marginalization against minorities in Greece. The forum brought together representatives of different minorities in Greece, experts, public figures and representatives of European organisations. The theme of the event was "Greek Obligations of International Treaties." The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Protocol for the Protection of Minorities in Greece, which was signed in Sevres in 1920 and ratified by Greece three years later, in 1923.

More information on the case can be obtained through the links:

https://www.amna.gr/en

In Greek language

https://www.amna.gr/home/article/769799/Ell-Lusi-Egklimatiki-i-anochi-tis-ND-se-osousepibouleuontai-tin-ethniki-akeraiotita-tis-patridasmas?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Rg_QcIm8n0NxxNiUOjsn8HpYi1yrlqjTGGmmZANgLt38gGEPn68KYmu0_aem_AaZzVlfk3-128XotxMGVcPlekEpZVw6MfhVTJiUn08q0W7HC9iwuK_OZkM3hoYPJnhO-ddiniG1xm8xSiaWrVHl