Turks in Europe sue Greek MEP who ripped Turkish flag

By Yusuf Hatip

BRUSSELS (AA) - Turks living in Europe filed a criminal complaint against a Greek member of the European Parliament for ripping apart a Turkish flag, their union said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Union of International Democrats (UID) said it has demanded an investigation from prosecutors in Brussels over Ioannis Lagos’ provocation at the European Parliament.

The statement said the act violated the Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The UID also called for lifting of the parliamentary immunity of Lagos.

During a debate on Jan. 30, Lagos blamed Turkey for the "stream of migrants coming into" his country and "getting away with whatever it likes."

He then tore a Turkish flag made of paper into pieces and balled up the scraps, throwing them to the floor.

Lagos is one of the most prominent figures of the far-right racist Golden Dawn party.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar