Greek government submits bill to curb people’s right to protest

·

The Mitsotakis government submitted a bill to Parliament on Monday to impose tighter controls on public demonstrations that frequently block traffic and turn violent.

The bill stipulates that participation in a protest rally held without police permission could be punishable by up to a year in prison.

Protest organisers may also be held liable for damage caused to public or private property during a protest.

The government argues that the changes will protect the right to protest and stop small gatherings from causing extensive disruption to traffic.

Left-wing opposition parties, including the Syriza Party, strongly criticised the plan, describing it as being reminiscent of a right-wing dictatorship in Greece between 1967 and 1974.

The Parliament is expected to vote on the bill by July 10.

A labor union backed by the Greek Communist Party said it planned to defeat the proposal with mass demonstrations.

Greece has a long tradition of public protests and several recent rallies have been held in support of the Black Lives Matter marches in the United States.

READ MORE: Greek demonstrators hurl firebombs towards US embassy in Athens [VIDEO].

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

A century of voice, advocacy and belonging: The Greek Herald marks 100 years

Founded in 1926, The Greek Herald marks a century of journalism, chronicling the history, identity and civic life of Greek Australians.

Tom Koutsantonis MP defends comments on Fr Patsouris after Adelaide Diocese response

South Australian MP Tom Koutsantonis has responded after the Holy Diocese of Adelaide criticised his public remarks on Fr Patsouris.

Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney to elect new Board at 2026 AGM

Members of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW will gather later this month for the organisation’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Angelo Tsarouchas brings ‘Diaspora’ tour to Australia for three-city run

The Funny Greek, Angelo Tsarouchas, is headed back to Australia with his hilarious new show Diaspora on a short but sweet three-city tour. 

Elvis Korsovitis joins the Kospetas Family to open STIX Hellenic Taverna in Sydney

A bold new chapter in Classical Greek dining unfolds this week, as Elvis Korsovitis, co-founder of the much-loved Greek street food brand Stix &...

You May Also Like

Antonis Remos: ‘I am moved by the love of Greeks in Australia’

Greek singer Antonis Remos is set to perform at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney during his Australian tour this year.

Stefanos Tsitsipas outlasts Kolar to reach the French Open third round

Stefanos Tsitsipas has survived another day at the French Open after defeating Zdenek Kolar, 6-3, 7-6(10-8), 6-7(3-7), 7-6(9-7).

George Calombaris opens up on ‘hard’ toll of empire collapse

Former Masterchef host, George Calombaris, has opened up today in an interview on the 'hard' toll of empire collapse.