Sigma Live

Criminalization of Hate Speech Against People with Disabilities and the Elderly to be Put to Plenary

Published February 25, 2026, 17:12
Criminalization of Hate Speech Against People with Disabilities and the Elderly to be Put to Plenary

The bill to criminalize hate speech against individuals based on age or disability has been completed in the Parliamentary Legal Committee and will soon be brought before the Plenary Session of the Parliament. The proposal, submitted by MPs Alexandra Attalidou and Giorgos Koukoumas, aims to address incitement to violence and the expression of hate speech. Giorgos Koukoumas expressed satisfaction with the support the proposal received from state bodies and social organizations, noting that 14 European countries have already criminalized hate speech based on disability and 6 based on age. Alexandra Attalidou emphasized that equality before the law must apply to everyone, regardless of age or disability, and that the proposal arose from numerous complaints from organizations representing people with disabilities and the elderly. The penalties provided for will be the same as those in the hate speech law.