Orthodox icons in the dock, ECHR considers changing practice

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is once again dealing with the issue of Christian symbols in public spaces. After a dispute with Italy over crosses in schools, which ended in Rome's victory in 2011, Greece is now the target, according to European Conservative.

This time, it concerns Orthodox icons in courtrooms. The complaint was filed by the Union of Greek Atheists, which claims that the icons undermine the impartiality of the courts and violate the right to a fair trial.

Greek courts have rejected these objections, but the case has reached the ECHR, which is hinting at a possible revision of case law. Critics see this as an attempt to weaken the principle of "free consideration by states," which has so far allowed countries to take into account their own historical and cultural identity.

According to lawyers supporting Greece, icons are part of cultural heritage and do not constitute coercion or proselytism. Moreover, Greece is constitutionally defined as an Orthodox Christian state. According to them, the court's intervention would not contribute to the protection of individual rights, but would represent a loss for civilization.

(mja)