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The article discusses the European Court of Human Rights asking Greece to justify the presence of Orthodox icons in its courts, prompting the author to reflect on their significance and potential offense to human rights.
The article expresses the author's surprise at the European Court of Human Rights' request for Greece to justify its use of Orthodox icons in courts, highlighting a personal ambivalence towards religious symbols. The author notes their own lack of piety but questions the potential infringement on human rights that the icons might represent. While acknowledging that not everyone may appreciate the icons, the author suggests that individuals can simply choose to look away if they prefer not to see them.
The author argues that Greece could respond to the Court by asserting its right to display Orthodox icons, emphasizing that their presence does not violate anyone's right to a fair trial. The tone suggests a degree of defiance against the Court's request, implying that the icons are a traditional part of Greek culture and should not be altered based on external pressure. Moreover, the author humorously suggests that if the icons were removed, they might be replaced by posters of contemporary figures, further emphasizing their stance on cultural expression.
In closing, the article critiques the Court for focusing on what the author considers trivial matters, rather than addressing more pressing human rights issues. This reflects a broader debate about the intersection of religious symbolism, national identity, and human rights within the context of European law, suggesting that the presence of such icons in public spaces might be more about cultural heritage than religious practice for the majority of Greek citizens.