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Published 17:38 IST, June 26th 2020

Giannis Antetokounmpo's graffiti in Greece vandalised by Neo-Nazis

In Giannis Antetokounmpo's home country Greece, graffitis of the NBA MVP were ruined by Neo-Nazis, who defaced the painting and drew Nazi symbols on it.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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In Giannis Antetokounmpo's home country Greece, graffitis of the reigning NBA MVP were painted over by Neo-Nazis. As per reports, the graffiti was located in the Palaio Faliro district of Athens. Several Neo-Nazi symbols were drawn over the graffiti dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstarsss. 

Also read | Giannis Antetokounmpo participates comically in the 'Don't Leave Me' challenge: Watch

Giannis Antetokounmpo painting: Giannis Antetokounmpo graffiti vandalized in Greece

Also read | Former Neo Nazis leader arrested in Virginia swatting scheme

Giannis Antetokounmpo graffiti vandalized: Giannis Antetokounmpo painting vandalized and covered in Nazi symbols

Giannis Antetokounmpo graffiti vandalized with 'Golden Dawn' signature in 2017

Also read | Neo Nazis group 'The Base' grooming teenagers to incite ‘race war’, Nazi Symbols

Neo-Nazis vandalize Giannis Antetokounmpo painting, draw over with symbols

The recent painting, which was a painting of the Bucks star on a DSLAM Communication box, was vandalized with a swastika and 'SS' logo drawn on Giannis' arm. Giannis Antetokounmpo's face was also scratched out. Both symbols drawn on Giannis were used to represent Nazi rule in Germany during World War II. In 2017, a painting of Giannis in a basketball court was vandalized. This painting was located in the Sepolia neighbourhood. Neo-Nazis spray-painted a Nazi cross on Giannis' face along with the 'Golden Dawn' signature. 

Also read | Giannis Antetokounmpo's young fan surprises him with art project she worked on for a year: Giannis Antetokounmpo painting

Many Twitter users and fans reacted to the incident, unhappy with the hate crime committed against the reigning NBA MVP. While many people condemned the act, some pointed out that the defacing was not done by the Neo-Nazis, as they would have painted over the painting after washing it and not use their symbols. Many people also pointed out that the drawings on the DSLAM Communications box were already vandalism, so people should not complain. However, several Twitter users pointed out that the paintings were made after permission from the local municipality, where the mayor also interacted with children who drew them. 

Reactions to Giannis' painting being defaced

(Image source: @giannis_an34 official Instagram)

Updated 17:38 IST, June 26th 2020

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