Greek MP expelled from ND parliamentary group over airport assault
MP Lefteris Avgenakis has been officially expelled from the New Democracy parliamentary group after footage emerged on Wednesday showing him assaulting an airport employee.
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The Iraklio MP apologized after the video circulated online and attempted to minimize the incident as a “verbal” disagreement. It took place at Athens International Airport on Monday and gained public attention after the airport workers’ union lodged a complaint, leading to the circulation of video footage on Wednesday, although it lacks audio. Earlier the same day, he announced his intention to retain his parliamentary seat. However, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred the matter to the party’s ethics committee, which subsequently decided to expel him.
Meanwhile, an Athens Prosecutor has initiated a probe into the incident to determine whether the alleged offenses include assault, disruption of public services, unlawful violence, and damage to public property. Further legal action will require lifting Avgenakis’ parliamentary immunity.
The incident reportedly occurred when the MP was denied boarding a flight to Crete after the gate had closed due to his late arrival. The employee tried to contact Avgenakis multiple times before the plane departed, but he allegedly chose to remain with his friends, ignoring the calls to board like other passengers.