Osho Expelled by Greece 6 March 1986

ATHENS — The Greek government expelled Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, “I have been very badly treated. My visa is still valid for another two weeks,” Osho told reporters before departing. “I thought this was a civilized country, but you are still as barbarian as 2000 years ago when you sacrificed Socrates,” Osho was arrested in the seaside resort of Aghios Nicolaos in eastern Crete. He claimed that police smashed windows and threatened to blow up his villa, which is owned by a Greek movie director. A government spokesman said, without elaboration, that he was being kicked out “for reasons of national interest.” Crete’s resident bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church, said: “His expulsion is a victory of God and the local church.”