New Democracy MP Vasilis Economou was hospitalized on Tuesday evening after being assaulted by a group of anarchists while dining in a restaurant in Exarchia, in the city center of Athens. Mr. Economou later gave a number of interviews on television and radio and noted that «will not become a migrant» in his own country and city. The MP added that he has had an office in the area for over 10 years.
Reports suggest that a group of about 10 people wearing motorcycle helmets approached the MP and asked him to confirm his identity. After he was warned never to return to the area, he was attacked. The MP was taken to the Red Cross hospital, where doctors later discharged him.
The former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras issued a statement condemning the attack and called the government guarantee the safety of all citizens. New Democracy’s provisional leader Yannis Plakiotakis visited him at the hospital and condemned the attack.
The President of Parliament Nikos Voutsis also contacted Mr. Economou to express his concern and denounced the attack against him. The Minister of Public Order Nikos Toskas commented that «nobody has the right to enforce and exclusion of places and ideas«.
PASOK warned that “Democracy, freedom of expression and freedom of life are affected irreversibly” and called the government to take measures against such attacks.
In its statement The River noted that “there are no areas of limited traffic in Greece” and that the people have the right to go wherever they want, despite the efforts of bullies. It also called the State to secure these rights and bring those who challenge them to justice.
