ECHR to Rule on Fate of Christian Icons in Greek Courts: Atheists Push for Removal

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is set to examine a high-profile case challenging the presence of Christian Orthodox icons in Greek public buildings, particularly courtrooms.

The dispute, brought by the Union of Atheists against Greece, stems from complaints by two atheists who demanded the removal of religious icons displayed during court hearings—especially those involving religious matters. They claimed the symbols were discriminatory, compromised judicial impartiality, and violated their rights to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as freedom of thought, conscience, and religion under Article 9.

Greek national courts dismissed the requests, upholding the display of the icons.

ADF International has intervened as a third party in support of Greece’s position. The legal advocacy group argues that removing such symbols misinterprets religious freedom and secular neutrality. They reference the ECHR’s landmark 2011 Grand Chamber ruling in Lautsi v. Italy, which found that crucifixes in Italian public school classrooms do not constitute indoctrination or infringe on rights to freedom of thought, conscience, or religion.

Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel at ADF International, emphasized: “The display of religious symbols in public spaces is in no way incompatible with human rights law. Public spaces should not be stripped of crosses, icons, or other symbols with religious, cultural, and historical significance in the name of pluralism.”

Portaru added that the Court has repeatedly held that religiously rooted symbols—particularly those integral to a nation’s heritage—do not violate freedom of religion or the right to a fair trial. ADF stresses that state neutrality must not equate to hostility toward Christianity, which holds a profound social, cultural, and historical place in Greece.

In their submission, ADF highlights the wide “margin of appreciation” afforded to states under the Convention in regulating religion in public life. A passive religious image neither imposes beliefs nor influences judicial outcomes, and there is no general right to be free from offense caused by such imagery.

Examples from across Europe support this view: crucifixes remain in Italian state institutions, religious artwork adorns historic court buildings in Austria and Spain, crosses are displayed in Bavarian government offices in Germany, and French courts have permitted religious imagery in public settings when it serves cultural or historical purposes.

The ECHR will now review the case file, along with third-party interventions, before issuing its judgment. A decision could set important precedent for the display of religious symbols in public institutions throughout the Council of Europe’s 46 member states.

This case highlights ongoing debates in Europe over balancing secular principles, cultural heritage, and religious freedom in shared public spaces. As of January 19, 2026, no ruling has been delivered.

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ADF International, Article 6 fair trial, Article 9 ECHR, Christian icons, cultural heritage, ECHR, freedom of religion, Greek, Greek courtrooms, Greek news, greek news on demand, Orthodox Christianity Greece, religious symbols public buildings, secular neutrality, Union of Atheists v Greece