Panayiotou’s comments leave “no room for interpretation: a term that is abusive, stigmatizing, and offensive to thousands of our fellow citizens,” the committee stated, emphasizing that this term cannot be framed as humor.
“It is a gross insult to people with intellectual disabilities, to athletes who face prejudice and exclusion daily,” the organization emphasized.
Given Panayiotou’s role as an MEP, “the issue is not simply moral; it is deeply political and institutional,” the committee remarked.
The committee is calling for the MEP to publicly apologize for using the derogatory term and “to adopt a stance that promotes respect and awareness.”
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