Greece: Gay play production team and cast charged with blasphemy

Actors and the producer and director of a play in Greece that depicted Jesus Christ as gay have been charged with blasphemy.

Earlier this month, director Laertis Vasiliou was forced to close his production of Corpus Christi in Athens because of political pressure from neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn.

RTE reports that charges of “insulting religion” and “malicious blasphemy” have been filed after a bishop lodged a lawsuit against those involved in the play.

The production had been subjected to protests since October, when a Golden Dawn MP was captured shouting homophobic and racist insults at Mr Vasiliou among a violent mob.

If found guilty, Mr Vasiliou and the other defendants could face several months in prison, a trial date has not yet been set.

Mr Vasiliou said he was stunned that prosecutors had chosen to go after him rather than pursue tax evaders and others blamed for driving Greece to near-bankruptcy.

Golden Dawn have increased their power since June’s election and its supporters have been linked to a significant number of attacks on migrant workers, rival political groups and LGBT citizens.

• TV
• May 11

All 13 seasons of Doctor Who ranked from worst to best