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

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

Nikoletta Polydorou’s orchestra treats the Queen to a wedding anniversary serenade [VIDEO]

Nikoletta Polydorou's children's orchestra has put a smile on the Queen face by treating her to a serenade to mark her wedding anniversary.

Fees paid by Lisa Wilkinson to Sue Chrysanthou SC in defamation case revealed

Federal Court documents have revealed journalist Lisa Wilkinson was billed $8,000 for each full day in court by her lawyer Sue Chrysanthou.

Project launched to preserve and enhance the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes

The Ministry of Culture is advancing a project focused on the preservation and promotion of the Palace of the Grand Master.