| Country | Greece |
| Date | 23 February 2023 |
| Location | Thessaloniki, in front of the Pontian association building “Evxinos Leshi” |
| Affected Minority | Macedonian minority |
| Perpetrator | Unknown individuals associated with a nationalist, racist group |
| Type of Case | Personal violent attacks on the Macedonian minority leader |
| Media Used | Vandalism/aggressive act against minority cultural heritage or other type of institution |
Brief Description:
On February 23, 2023, Reverend Nikodim Tsarknias, a prominent figure of the Macedonian minority in Greece, was the target of a violent and racially motivated attack. While driving on his usual route past the Pontian association building “Evxinos Leshi,” he encountered two vehicles blocking the street. He was ignored and insulted when he asked the people present to remove the cars.
As he confronted them, the situation escalated. The perpetrators hurled racist slurs at him, such as “Skopjan, go to Skopje,” and “fake-priest.” They attempted to open his car doors, kicked the vehicle, and eventually broke one of the windows in an attempt to gain access. Reverend Tsarknias managed to escape by driving onto the sidewalk, despite one attacker trying to block his way.
He immediately filed a lawsuit against the local police for racist insults and significant property damage. However, the Greek authorities have taken no legal action or proceedings to date.
The police or other authorities did not respond or take any follow-up actions.
More information on the case can be obtained from
NPO "Krste Misirkov" Macedonian Movement to Promote Mother Language, https://npokrstemisirkov.blogspot.com/
Photo by Davit Margaryan on Unsplash
