Violence erupts at rally in Greece against new protest law

·

Violence has broken out in Athens during a mass demonstration against plans to curb public protests. A group of protesters hurled gasoline bombs at riot police outside parliament, while police responded with tear gas and flash grenades.

The demonstrations were being held in Athens and around 40 other Greek cities and towns to oppose the plans by the center-right government.

More than 10,000 peaceful protesters had gathered in central Athens, many supporting a labor union backed by the Greek Communist Party. A separate group of several dozen youths was involved in the violence that sent other demonstrators, including families with young children, scrambling to move away from the clouds of tear gas.

Protesters throw patrol bombs at riot police outside the Greek Parliament during a protest against new protest law in Athens, on Thursday, July 9, 2020. AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ year-old conservative government says it is determined to stop small protest gatherings from disrupting traffic and commercial activity.

“The right to hold peaceful gatherings must be protected … but it must be done in a way that will not interrupt the activity of an entire city,” Mitsotakis told parliament on the second and final day of debate.

Critics of the proposed reforms include the Athens Bar Association and parliament’s own legislative review committee. They argue that plans to prosecute protesters attending unsanctioned rallies and to hold protest organizers responsible for damage caused if rallies turn violent are legally troublesome.

The government said it had added several clarifications to the bill to address those concerns. The bill is expected to be approved later Thursday.

School teachers dressed in black take part in a demonstration against new protest law in Athens, on Thursday, July 9, 2020. AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras, who was prime minister in 2015-2019, accused the government of introducing the measures to allow heavy-handed policing. He predicted the pandemic-driven recession would trigger large labor protests in the fall.

“You fear what is coming — the reaction of society, the anger of society — and that is why you are preparing to give us repression,” Tsipras told parliament.

Greece is expected to suffer a major recession this year due to the impact of the pandemic, losing 9% of its annual output, according to European Union projections.

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

John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry.

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

You May Also Like

Prime Minister – Opinion: Vaccination protects you and your family

"During the COVID Pandemic we have not got everything right. But we have done better than almost every country in the world," writes the PM.

Former MP Milton Orkopoulos found guilty of child sex abuse

A jury has found former NSW Labor minister Milton Orkopoulos guilty of child sexual abuse and drug charges.

Patricia Karvelas pushes to ‘ban the boo’ at sports games

Patricia Karvelas has shared her opinions on why she wants to ban the 'boo' at sports games after a recent experience watching the footy.