Rudy Youngblood, the Hollywood actor best known for his starring role in Mel Gibson's film Apocalypto, is detained at Galatsi police station in Athens. The actor faces the threat of deportation, Kathimerini reported.
The 42-year-old actor has been in Greece since late August to take part in film shoots, but his visa expired at the end of November as the law allows stays of up to 90 days. According to a source familiar with the matter, Youngblood claims his doctor has advised him not to travel due to ongoing health issues. He reportedly believed his health condition allowed him to remain in the country until it was safe for him to travel.
The actor was stopped by police during a routine check in the early hours of 27 December 2024. He claims that the police officers did not wear any identification and did not explain to him why he was stopped and what his rights were. He claims that he initially failed to understand that they were law enforcement officers due to the language barrier. As a result, he was charged with resisting arrest, uttering threats, and carrying a weapon because a pocketknife was found in his possession.
Youngblood was brought to court immediately without the standard 3-day adjournment. He received a sentence of 10 months imprisonment with a 3-year suspended term. After trial, it was discovered that his visa had expired, and an administrative deportation order was issued.
The actor remains in detention at the Galatz police station and is expected to lodge objections to his detention with the relevant immigration authority in the coming days. | BGNES
