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

Questions surround sudden exit of St Euphemia College principal Penny Pachos

The Greek Herald can exclusively reveal that St Euphemia College principal Penny Pachos is no longer employed by the College.

A century in print: The Greek Herald celebrates 100 years at NSW Parliament

There was something fitting about The Greek Herald celebrating its 100th birthday inside NSW Parliament House.

Giant Cretan Lyra set for Guinness World record recognition

A massive Cretan lyra has been unveiled in southern Crete as its creators pursue a Guinness World Records title.

Mark Bouris shares his plan to live to 100

Businessman Mark Bouris says his goal of living to 100 is driven by family, health and science-backed habits rather than extreme biohacking trends, according...

Jo Boutros loses 40kg and launches healthy eating guide

Balancing family responsibilities, university, and three jobs, she developed unhealthy habits and struggled with binge eating in secret.

You May Also Like

Former Melbourne nightclub owner Andrew Varigos denies rape allegations in court

Andrew Varigos, former owner and marketing manager of Melbourne’s Love Machine nightclub, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape.

Michael Pavlou recalls ‘panic’ during machete brawl at Melbourne shopping centre

Melbourne father Michael Pavlou described scenes of “panic” and “confusion” during a violent incident at Northland Shopping Centre on Sunday.

On this day, we remember Greek poet Kostis Palamas

Greek poet Kostis Palamas was one of the most important intellectual figures of modern Hellenism, becoming a central figure in the 'literary generation' of 1880.