American actor Rudy Youngblood detained in Athens, faces deportation after legal issues

Rudy Youngblood, the Hollywood actor renowned for his role in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, is currently being held at the Galatsi police station in Athens, Greece, and is facing potential deportation following a series of legal issues.

The 42-year-old actor arrived in Greece in late August for a film shoot, but his visa expired at the end of November, as the law permits foreign nationals to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Sources familiar with the case revealed that Youngblood claimed to have been advised by his doctor to refrain from travel due to ongoing health concerns. He reportedly believed his medical condition permitted him to remain in Greece until he was fit to travel, Caliber.Az report via Greek media.

On December 27, 2024, Youngblood was detained by police during a routine sweep in the early hours of the morning. The actor alleges that the officers were not wearing identifying insignia and did not explain the reason for his stop or his legal rights. Due to a language barrier, he initially failed to recognize the individuals as law enforcement officers. This misunderstanding led to charges of resisting arrest, making threats, and carrying a weapon, as a pocketknife was discovered in his possession.

Following his detention, Youngblood was swiftly brought before a court, bypassing the usual three-day postponement for legal proceedings. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for three years. After the trial, it was revealed that Youngblood’s visa had expired, prompting the authorities to issue an administrative deportation order.

Youngblood remains in custody at the Galatsi police station while he prepares to file objections to his detention with the relevant immigration authority. It is expected that his legal team will seek to contest the deportation order in the coming days.

By Vugar Khalilov