Outrage in Greece as tourists arrested after ‘pole dancing’ in front of popular palace | World | News
Pole dancers have been arrested in Corfu following outrage over their photo shoot in front of a historic Greek landmark, according to local reports. Footage of the display recently went viral as British spectators observed the semi-nude women outside the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George in the early hours. One video captures two women balancing on a pole in bright red lingerie by the 200-year-old UNESCO heritage site. In another clip, a woman in a black leotard is encouraged by a British woman who exclaims “yes Shelly, nice”.
The women have since been accused of breaching archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area. It’s been reported that they didn’t grasp the severity of their actions until the video gained widespread attention. Local media said the tourists faced a prosecutor over the weekend and remained in custody pending their hearing. The hearing was allegedly delayed until Monday by the dancers’ solicitor because the photographer had not been summoned.
The dancers were visiting the island for a “pole dancing holiday” that takes place during the last fortnight of May. The Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art are reported to have lodged a lawsuit against them.
According to local reports, the Directorate of the Museum of Asian Art, currently housed within the palace, was not informed about the event.
Local publication Proto Thema said: “Understandably, there were several reactions regarding who gave permission for such a photo shoot in the city centre.”
The former royal palace, commissioned by British Lord High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland and designed by Colonel George Whitmore, is a prominent feature in Corfu’s Old Town.
The building is still in use today and remains a well-preserved example of Regency architecture towards the end of the Georgian era.
Numerous locals voiced their outrage online over the “disgraceful” photo shoot taking place outside the historic palace. Panagiotis Kalogeros posted on Facebook: “The Corfu Palaces: they once hosted royals. Now, pole dancing.
“If Lord Byron saw pole dancing at the Palaces, he would have returned to England without a second thought. Would they do the same at Buckingham [Palace]?”
Other users expressed concern over potential damage to the site during the photo shoot, questioning how permission was granted.
One wrote: “Did the permanent residents of the historic centre and their association take a position for this event?” Another added: “Who gave the permission slip?” A third commented: “Someone should call the police.”
