PETA Activist Allegedly Struck During Donkey Protest in Santorini

A protest over the use of donkeys to transport tourists in Santorini reportedly turned violent after a female activist was allegedly struck and shoved during a confrontation.

The incident took place at the Karavolades Stairs in Santorini, Greece, where donkeys and mules are commonly used to carry tourists between the port and the town of Fira.

A group of activists from PETA Germany was demonstrating against the practice, arguing that tourists should not rely on animals to make the climb up the roughly 500 stone steps.

Footage released from the protest appears to show a man holding a stick confronting the group before allegedly striking a female activist in the face and pushing her against a wall. She then fell onto the stone steps as other activists rushed to help her.

PETA has also alleged that donkey handlers confronted the protesters in other ways, including allegedly taking or destroying protest signs, preventing activists from filming and shoving members of the group.

The animal-rights organization said it intends to file a criminal complaint over the incident.

The activists were in Santorini to demonstrate an alternative to using donkeys for the steep climb. They showcased an exoskeleton that they say could provide tourists with another way to navigate the approximately 500-step route without relying on working animals.

The dispute highlights a long-running debate surrounding animal welfare and tourism on the Greek island. While donkey rides have become part of the Santorini tourist experience, animal-rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the conditions under which the animals work.

The reported confrontation has now added another layer to the controversy, with PETA calling for accountability over what it says was an assault on one of its activists.

The allegations have not been established in court, and further investigation is expected to determine what happened during t

Source: LBC