A Greek member of the European Parliament has been expelled from the main opposition Syriza party following accusations that he physically assaulted a journalist in a Strasbourg bar, sparking a political firestorm in Athens.
Mr. Nikos Pappas, a former professional basketball player turned politician, is accused of punching reporter Nikos Giannopoulos of News24/7 twice in the head late Tuesday night.
Greek authorities have initiated fast-track arrest procedures after Mr. Giannopoulos filed a criminal complaint.
Syriza leader Socratis Famellos and the party's EU group head, Mr. Kostas Arvanitis, acted swiftly to remove Mr. Pappas from the delegation.
The European Parliament’s Left group also launched proceedings to expel him, stating they treat allegations of violence with "utmost seriousness."
According to Mr. Giannopoulos, the MEP tripped him inside the venue before ambushing him from behind as he tried to leave.
"The facts speak for themselves," Mr. Giannopoulos wrote in a brief statement, confirming he was physically well but shaken.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis seized on the incident to accuse Syriza of hypocrisy, arguing the party had long tolerated Mr. Pappas’ aggressive behavior.
"He had to resort to violence for Syriza to be forced to act," Mr. Marinakis said.
PASOK and the New Left party joined the condemnation, branding the act as "thuggish behavior" incompatible with public office. As of Wednesday, Mr. Pappas had not issued a statement regarding the allegations.