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

Melbourne announces ‘100 Years Mimis Plessas’ tribute concert with Dimitris Basis

‘100 Years Mimis Plessas’ tribute concert comes to Melbourne with Dimitris Basis, celebrating a legendary Greek composer.

Two brothers, one century: The remarkable lives of Paul and Michael Tsolakis

Paul and Michael Tsolakis reflect on a life shaped by migration, war, resilience and the enduring values that carried them to 100 and beyond.

From street finds to collectors’ gold: Con Skordilis and the rise of vintage IKEA

Northcote health worker Con Skordilis, 55, has spent the past decade building a collection of vintage IKEA furniture.

Student literary competition returns to promote Greek language in Australia

A national student literary competition aimed at promoting the Greek language and cultural identity has been announced for 2026.

Dr Adrianos Golemis becomes first Greek selected for ESA astronaut training

Dr Adrianos Golemis has made history as the first Greek to take part in an astronaut training programme at the European Space Agency (ESA).

You May Also Like

Athens Stock Exchange top performing equity market in Europe last year

The Athens Stock Exchange was the best-performing equity market in Europe last year, which is reflected in international investors' newfound confidence in Greece’s recovery. Andreas...

Australia’s Governor-General arrives in Greece for historic visit

Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, has arrived in Greece, making him the first Australian state leader to visit in over 25 years.

Thanasis Nicolaou case Judge to appeal termination

Former Cypriot judge Doria Varoshiotou will appeal her dismissal after the judicial council ruled she was unfit to serve as a tenured judge.