Melbourne grandfather denied entry to Greece, labelled a 'security threat'

A MELBOURNE grandfather holidaying with his two sons has been branded a "security threat" and denied entry to Greece.

Greek-born George Kiriakidis, 67, was stopped by Greek police as he tried to cross the Macedonian-Greek border yesterday.

Mr Kiriakidis’ wife Mary said she was in a state of shock.

"He was only going with his boys to find their heritage, I can’t believe he’s a security risk,’’ she said.

“He’s never done anything political in his life, he’s worked all his life.”

Mrs Kiriakidis was only told the news by a relative at 2am today and wasn’t sure if her husband would continue travelling.

Speaking to 3AW, she said her husband had been living in Australia since 1960 and had worked as a builder ever since.


The Kiriakidis’, who have four grandchildren, visited Greece 19 years ago with no travel problems.

The Mill Park man left for Macedonia on Sunday with two of his three children, John, 38 and Lazarus, 29.

“It was going to be bonding time with the boys, they were going to see where their dad came from and visit their relations,’’ Mrs Kiriakidis said.

QUELLE