Over 100 people arrested in Greece at protest in memory of slain teen, Alexandros Grigoropoulos

·

Over 100 people have been arrested in Athens on Sunday after attempting to hold a demonstration for the anniversary of the police killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos in 2008.

The arrests came in the face of the Hellenic Police announcing on Saturday a ban on protests ahead of the notorious murder’s anniversary, citing coronavirus-related restrictions on mass events. 

The majority of arrests in Athens were made in the neighborhood of Exarcheia, where 60 people were brought in by the police for violating the ban.

READ MORE: On this day: Murder of Greek Student Alexandros Grigorpoulos.

A clash reportedly occurred between police and a group of around 50 protesters carrying a banner and yelling pro-Grigoropoulos statements, after which officers began dispersing the crowd and used two stun grenades.

Scenes have also emerged of a German couple, who brought flowers to the site of Grigoropoulos’ murder, being detained.

The police officer carrying out the arrest did not specify its reason, neither did he introduce himself, even though the woman was speaking Greek to him. He forced the couple into a police vehicle amid journalists’ comments that his actions were illegal.

Closer to the evening, police began forcing journalists out of the neighbourhood.

Every year, demonstrators gather to commemorate the memory of Grigoropoulos. He was killed by a Special Guard of the Greek Police Force on December 6, 2008, after a verbal altercation that witnesses say was instigated by the officer and his partner.

The two officers were both charged and found guilty in relation to the murder, one with the murder itself and the other as an accomplice. At the time, the heinous killing was marked by riots and protests around the country.

In November, Citizen Protection Minister, Michalis Chrysochoidis, announced a similar ban on protests on November 17, hoping to stop demonstrations for the anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Greek police ban public gatherings ahead of Polytechnic Uprising anniversary.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Musk’s DOGE scraps $25,000 grant for LGBTQ refugees in Greece

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has halted a $25,000 award intended to support LGBTQ refugees in Greece.

Third Greek island placed under state of emergency amid seismic activity

Anafi island was placed under a state of emergency on Thursday, February 13 due to recent seismic activity in the region.

Antipodes Festival uncovered: Hot tips and memories

Leonidas Vlahakis, a beloved figure in Melbourne’s Greek community, has an undeniable passion for celebrating Greek culture.

Andriana Petrakis named SA Woman of the Year finalist

41 remarkable South Australian women have been named finalists for The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards.

George Velentzas transforms Prospect Rd in Adelaide with major developments

A wave of new businesses is set to transform Prospect Rd, with 10 retail stores opening in the coming months across two major developments.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek Recipes: Bakaliaros Skordalia

Bakaliaros (Cod) skordalia is a Greek traditional dish that has become synonymous with the celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25.

On this day in 1994, Greek American actor Telly Savalas died aged 72

Telly Savalas was a Greek-American actor made a legacy for himself as Lt. Theo Kojak in 'Kojak', a role that continues to be idolised in modern television.

Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann behind one of SA’s top-ranked restaurants

The top 15 restaurants in SA for 2021 have been named and among the list is 'eleven' restaurant by Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis.