Greek tried over 'obscene art'

Athens, Greece - A Greek art curator is set to go on trial for insulting the eastern Orthodox Church by showing a painting combining Christian and sexual imagery.

Christos Ioakimidis could be jailed for up to five years if found guilty.

The authorities removed the work from an Athens exhibition in the run-up to last year's Olympic Games, following a complaint by a far-right party leader.

Greek artists and human rights activists say that the case threatens freedom of expression.

'Obscene'

Mr Ioakimidis organised a major modern art exhibition in Greece as part of a series of cultural events leading up to the Olympics.

The case against him stems from a painting by Belgian artist Thierry de Cordier, which shows an erect penis next to a Christian cross.

It was taken down after party leader Georges Karatzaferis lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court.

He denounced the work as the most obscene, immoral and shameless painting he had ever seen.

A BBC correspondent in Athens says other activists are angry with Mr Ioakimidis for removing the painting, saying he should not have yielded to pressure to do so.

Mr Iaokimidis is charged with insulting public decency and the Church.