Greek PM appeals for restraint during uprising anniversary

·

Greece’s prime minister appealed to political parties Monday to show “self-restraint” in commemorations marking the 1973 crushing of a student uprising by the ruling military junta at the time, as part of measures to curtail a surging coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Nov. 17, the day the uprising was quashed, is marked each year with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Athens Polytechnic commemorating those who died there, followed by marches to the U.S. Embassy. The marches sometimes turn violent, with protesters clashing with riot police.

This year, the government has banned the marches due to a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths which are straining the country’s health system. The police chief over the weekend announced a nationwide ban on gatherings of more than three people from Nov. 15-18.

A police car passes outside the Athens Polytechnic in the Greek capital on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Left-wing opposition parties voiced outrage and said the ban was unconstitutional, but a late challenge at the country’s highest administrative court, the Council of State, was unsuccessful.

“At this critical time, the historic anniversary cannot become the reason for division and human lives the field of party experiments,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement Monday. “For that reason I call for self-restraint from all parties.”

Mitsotakis noted that gatherings during Greece’s two national holidays on March 25 and Oct. 28 were also canceled this year.

“There can be no freedom without responsibility,” he said.

“I honestly believe that the overwhelming majority of society is having trouble following the big debate occurring about this year’s celebration in pandemic conditions,” Mitsotakis said. “The decision to not have mass events and a march is being imposed purely for reasons of protecting public health.”

On Sunday, Greece recorded its largest coronavirus death toll in a single day: 71. The country of 11 million people now has more than 76,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,100 deaths, while its intensive care units are at 78% capacity. The country is under lockdown until Nov. 30.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Eirini Alligiannis brings New York’s street art to life at the Greek Festival of Sydney

Australian Greek photographer and filmmaker Eirini Alligiannis launched her striking new exhibition Art On The Wall on Tuesday, April 29.

Peggy Zina delivers sold-out performance at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Greek music icon Peggy Zina brought the house down at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on Friday, May 2, with a sold-out crowd of 540 fans.

GCM holds celebration of Greek dance with renowned instructor Andreas Papadopoulos

On Friday, May 2, the schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) had the honour and pleasure of hosting Andreas Papadopoulos.

Saint Nectarios Burwood’s Christina Scalone named Senior of the Year for Drummoyne

Christina Scalone has been named one of seven 2025 Seniors of the Year for the Drummoyne electorate, in recognition of her voluntary service.

Greek Festival of Sydney launches its 1st Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition

The Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with the Department of Modern Greek Studies at Sydney University.

You May Also Like

Socrates Tsourdalakis’ book launch celebrated legacy of Cretan courage in Australia

In a tribute to the Cretan diaspora in Australia, Socrates Tsourdalakis launched his book 'Cretan Pioneers of Australia' in Victoria.

Australian PM and NSW Premier condemn anti-Semitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have strongly condemned an anti-Semitic attack in Sydney's Dover Heights.

Daniel Hasapis found guilty of murder after violent assault on victim

Daniel Paul Hasapis, an ice addict from Wyong, has been found guilty of murder after fatally assaulting Sean Froggatt.