Dialogos

Bill to Criminalize Violence or Hate Speech Based on Age or Disability Advances to Plenary

Published February 25, 2026, 17:02
Bill to Criminalize Violence or Hate Speech Based on Age or Disability Advances to Plenary

The Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs has completed the article-by-article discussion of the bill to criminalize violence or hate speech based on age or disability. The bill, submitted by MPs Alexandra Attalidou and Giorgos Koukoumas, aims to establish an offense for inciting violence or reproducing hate speech against individuals due to their age or disability. MP Giorgos Koukoumas expressed satisfaction with the support the bill is receiving from state bodies and social organizations, pointing out that the European Union prohibits discrimination based on disability and age, while several European countries have already criminalized such behavior. Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou emphasized that equality before the law must apply to everyone, regardless of age or disability. She highlighted that the bill was submitted two years ago and is expected to be brought to the Plenary Session of the Parliament soon, after the completion of the article-by-article discussion. Ms. Attalidou mentioned that there have been many complaints from organizations representing people with disabilities and the elderly. According to the bill, the penalties for inciting violence or reproducing hate speech will be the same as those provided for by the law on hate speech. This bill aims to protect vulnerable groups of the population and strengthen social cohesion. The discussion of the bill highlights the need to strengthen the legislative protection of individuals at risk of discrimination or violence due to age or disability. The approval of the bill by the Plenary Session of the Parliament will be an important step towards creating a more just and inclusive society.