Police fire tear gas to break up banned gatherings in Greece

·

Police detained several dozen people and fired tear gas in Athens Tuesday as hundreds of protesters defied a ban on gatherings of more than three people to mark the anniversary of the crushing of a 1973 student uprising against the military junta then ruling Greece.

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 United States had backed the dictatorship that ruled Greece for seven years from 1967.

But the government banned this year’s events, citing public health concerns as the country struggles to contain a resurgence of the coronavirus that is straining hospitals and leading to record numbers of deaths. A nationwide lockdown has been imposed until the end of the month, but authorities tightened restrictions during the Polytechnic anniversary, banning gatherings of four or more people from Nov. 15-18.

Protesters from the communist party-affiliated PAME union run away to avoid tear gas thrown by riot police during clashes in central Athens, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Thousands of police were deployed in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki to prevent marches. The annual Polytechnic marches often turn violent, with protesters clashing with riot police.

Left-wing opposition parties decried the ban as unconstitutional, although the country’s highest administrative court, the Council of State, ruled otherwise.

Three left-wing parties, including main opposition party Syriza, defied the ban, as did other groups.

A Communist Party-backed union held an initial brief gathering outside the U.S. Embassy Tuesday morning, with about 250 people wearing masks and marching in formation, maintaining distance from one another.

iot police walk next a water cannon vehicle kin central Omonoia square central Athens, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

But a later, larger gathering by about 1,500 people in central Athens dissolved after police detained several people and eventually used tear gas and a water cannon.

In a statement, the Civil Protection Ministry said police had repeatedly requested the protesters disperse, to no avail.

“Those who, through their actions, show disregard for what is happening around them, are displaying antisocial behavior and contempt for those fighting for their lives in the hospitals,” the statement said.

Authorities said about 100 people in total were detained across Athens.

Police officers detain a man during a protest in central Athens, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020.(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Police were also detaining protesters defying the ban in the northern city of Thessaloniki. Penalties range from 300 euros for individuals attending a gathering that violates the ban, to 3,000 euros for organizers and 5,000 euros for organizations who arrange the events.

A small group of people also threw firebombs at a police station in Thessaloniki, causing no injuries or damage.

Former prime minister Alexis Tsipras, who heads the main opposition Syriza party, posted a photo of himself attending a socially distanced gathering for the Polytechnic Tuesday.

“With responsibility and observance of health protection measures, this year we again honored the dead and the struggles of our people for democracy, independence, and justice,” he said in a post on social media.

“We broke the senseless ban,” he said. “Democracy and historical memory cannot be quarantined.”

Sourced By: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

George Karlaftis secures back-to-back Super Bowl wins with Kansas City Chiefs

Greek-born George Karlaftis won his second Super Bowl in as many seasons on Sunday as a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Israel, Cyprus, Greece secure $736 million in EU funding for power cable link

The European Union has earmarked $736 million for the construction of a undersea electricity cable that will link Israel, Cyprus and Greece.

‘I found a homeland in Greece’: Syrian refugee on his way to Tokyo Paralympics

Ibrahim al-Hussein is a refugee in Greece and he is set to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics in late August.