European Court of Human Rights Orders Greece to Pay Photographer Kalliopi Melliou Over Strip-Search
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Greece violated the rights of photojournalist Kalliopi Melliou regarding a strip search conducted by police in Athens back in 2013. Melliou received $11,340 (€10,000) for damages and $992 (€875) for her legal fees. The incident occurred on February 27, 2013, in Exarchia when she spotted four officers from the DELTA police motorcycle unit and decided to document their license plate numbers out of concern for her safety. Although she was taken to the Attica General Police Directorate without any charges, she was ordered by a female officer to undress entirely. The court found no justification for such treatment, highlighting that less invasive methods could have been used. Greece must pay the compensation within three months.
Key facts
- The European Court of Human Rights found Greece guilty of violating photojournalist Kalliopi Melliou's rights.
- Melliou was strip-searched by Greek police on February 27, 2013, in the Exarchia district of Athens.
- She was awarded $11,340 (€10,000) in damages and $992 (€875) in legal costs.
- Melliou was taken to the Attica General Police Directorate but was neither arrested nor charged.
- Greek authorities claimed they suspected her of helping prepare a terrorist attack.
- The court ruled that less intrusive methods, such as a body scanner or metal detector, should have been used.
- The court unanimously found a violation of Article Three of the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Greece must pay the compensation within three months.
Entities
Artists
- Kalliopi Melliou
Institutions
- European Court of Human Rights
- DELTA police motorcycle unit
- Attica General Police Directorate
- Ekathimerini
Locations
- Athens
- Greece
- Exarchia