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

Review: A Cretan culinary journey with Peter Conistis at Ammos, Brighton-Le-Sands

To mark the first anniversary of Ammos at Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, Peter Conistis launched his much-anticipated regional dinner series.

Greek Welfare Centre launches 2025 Winter Community Appeal to support families in need

The Greek Welfare Centre will host its annual Winter Community Appeal on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at Marrickville Town Hall, from 9am to 4pm.

Fronditha Care finalists shine in national aged care awards

Ageing Australia’s 2025 You are ACE! Awards are a national initiative that recognises individuals making a positive impact in aged care.

Australia-Greece medical ties strengthen with push for mutual recognition of degrees

Efforts to enhance Australia-Greece medical cooperation were the focus of a meeting between Dr Pirpiris, Dr Pantos and Prof Arkadopoulos.

Cypriot Australian Koraly Dimitriadis wins US poetry award

Controversial, Cypriot-Australian poet, writer, performer, film and theatre maker, Koraly Dimitradis's first poetry book, Love and Fck Poems.

You May Also Like

Australia’s Holy Eparchial Synod reviews case of Deacon Mario Baghos

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia convened on Friday under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Cyprus Community of NSW to lead Cyprus War Monument Fund

The Cyprus Community of NSW will lead a fund to install a monument in Nicosia, Cyprus in honour of the Cypriot Mule Corps.

‘Thank you for the great times’: David Tsirekas leaves Perama 2.0 in Petersham

Much-loved Greek chef, David Tsirekas, has said farewell to his Petersham restaurant, Perama 2.0, after it reopened only four months ago.