The Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an urgent preliminary investigation into the recent drone show above the Acropolis, which was conducted for promotional purposes.
Aristidis Koreas, the head of the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office, has mandated this investigation following a complaint made by the Ministry of Culture.
The Acropolis Security Department will carry out the investigation, aimed at identifying any potential violations of heritage laws and other criminal offenses.
A permit costing 380 euros was issued from Zappeion for the drone takeoff. The administration of Zappeion Hall provided permission to a prominent sports equipment company for the drone show, which took place against the Acropolis backdrop, inciting widespread reactions.
As per the decision published on Diavgeia, the company submitted its request on April 30. The administrative council of the Olympian Endowments Committee, overseen by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, unanimously approved the allocation of 200 square meters of outdoor space adjacent to Zappeion Hall on May 15, 2025, for the drone show, which was conducted by Essence Mediacom to promote Adidas Hellas products, for a rental fee of just 380 euros.
The drone show has prompted government scrutiny.
Last night, images of a large athletic shoe over the Parthenon, along with the Adidas logo and the slogan “feel fast,” circulated on social media, raising questions about the permissions granted for such advertisements at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which requires adherence to strict guidelines for any use of its imagery.
This incident is also connected to the recent refusal by the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) to allow acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos to film scenes at the Parthenon for his upcoming work.
Sources from the Ministry of Culture confirmed to protothema.gr this morning that they were unaware of such an event and intend to investigate the situation, planning to take legal action against those responsible for violating archaeological laws. This report was later corroborated with an official announcement.
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