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

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Rugby chief Peter V’landys addresses speculation about his future

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and CEO of Racing NSW, has addressed speculation about his future.

Olympiacos President to face trial over death of policeman in fan violence incident

Vangelis Marinakis, the president of Olympiacos FC, has been ordered to stand trial in Greece, accused of inciting sports-related violence.

You May Also Like

Europe votes no against Australia and New Zealand holding the 2023 Women’s World Cup

Cheers exploded across the Trans-Tasman region this morning as people woke up finding out Australia and New Zealand had won the joint bid to...

Eleftheria Arvanitaki: ‘Whenever I see Greeks abroad there is emotion’

Eleftheria Arvanitaki visited the Greek Centre in Melbourne today ahead of her performance at the Greek Community of Melbourne's Grecian Ball

Prison sentence for Victorian con artist Apostolos Lapatis to be appealed

The DPP has appealed the prison sentences given to two con artists who defrauded the owners of a motel out of nearly $3 million.