Shocking Attack on Trans Couple Rattles Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, but Greek LGBTQ Community Defiant: ‘We Are Not Afraid!’
Christopher Vourlias A shocking attack on a transgender couple in plain view of hundreds Saturday night has rattled filmmakers and guests at this year’s Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, which has a spotlight on queer cinema as one of the focal points of its 26th edition.
During the terrifying episode, which took place around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, a mob of close to 200 black-clad youths cursed, spat and threw bottles as they pursued the couple across Aristotelous Square, whose historic Olympion theater hosts red carpet premieres during the Thessaloniki doc fest and its sister event in November.
The couple took refuge in a nearby restaurant until the police arrived on the scene. At least 21 suspects have been arrested so far.
The attack — which took place in front of packed restaurants and cafés in a square that is the heart of public life in Thessaloniki — has shocked and outraged attendees of the festival. “I thought some things would have changed, but now I wonder, have things changed?” says lesbian activist and filmmaker Maria Katsikadakou, also known as Maria Cyber, adding that she was “angry and terrified” about the brazen assault. “Greek society is abusive.
