Sotiris Bletsas (Greek:Σωτήρης Μπλέτσας;Aromanian:Sutir Bletsa[1]) is an architect andAromanian language activist fromGreece.
In 1995, at anAromanian festival in Greece, he distributed someEuropean Bureau for Lesser-Used Languages (EBLUL) material about minority languages in Greece.[2] In 2001, on an initiative of theMP forEdessa Evgenios Haïtidis, he was charged with "dissemination of false information" (contrary to article 191 of the Greek Penal Code) who reportedly was supported by the leadership of thePanhellenic Federation of Cultural Associations of Vlachs.[3] The case drew protest from theGreek Helsinki Monitor[4] and from abroad.[2][5]
He was first found guilty and sentenced to fifteen months in jail,suspended for three years, and fined 500,000drachmas; however, he successfully appealed the decision and was subsequently found not guilty on 18 October 2001.[6]
Bletsas has held the position of director in the Greek branch of the EBLUL, established in January 2002, being among the several Aromanians to have done so.[7]
 | This Greek biographical article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
 | This biographical article about a European activist is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |