Pelendritou, one of the most successful athletes in Paralympic history and flag bearer of the Cypriot team at the 2024 Paralympic Games, was confronted with incomprehensible behavior when the driver denied boarding to her and her guide dog.

Visually impaired, Pelendritou reacted strongly to the driver’s refusal. At first, he tried to excuse himself, saying: “What am I supposed to do if the dog urinates in the car?”

“You know what a guide dog is? You have no right to refuse the dog. If I call the police, you’ll be arrested on the spot,” Pelendritou responded, only for the driver to persist: “I’ll be arrested? This taxi is mine, and I make the rules.”

The video was quickly shared online, going viral and sparking outrage over the driver’s behavior. Dozens of commenters pointed out that the law is crystal clear. According to Law 3765/2009, along with subsequent amendments:

“Guide dogs for the blind or assistance dogs for persons with disabilities have the right to free access on all means of transportation (buses, metro, taxis, airplanes, ferries). The dog must wear a harness or vest identifying it as a guide dog. A taxi driver is not permitted to refuse transport or demand an additional fare. The dog may sit next to the person it assists, not in the luggage area.”