Greece: Clashes reported in Athens and Thessaloniki December 6 /update 1

Event

Anti-police protests in Athens and Thessaloniki have turned violent on Thursday, December 6, as protesters clash with police on the 10th anniversary of the killing of teenager Alexandros Grigoropoulos. Demonstrators have reportedly thrown stones at police while marching in Athens; police officers retaliated by firing tear gas at the protesters. Police have arrested at least ten people during the demonstrations in Athens. In Thessaloniki, protesters gathered at Kamara, with some erecting barricades and throwing incendiary devices at police who, in turn, fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

A heightened security presence and lingering traffic disruptions are to be expected in Athens and Thessaloniki over the coming hours. Further clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Additional protests are slated to take place in Athens on Thursday evening (local time).

Context

Grigoropoulos was killed by Athenian police officers in 2008. Demonstrations are held annually on December 6 to mark the anniversary of his death; clashes have been consistently reported during the protests in recent years.

Advice

Individuals in Athens and Thessaloniki are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations due to the potential for violence, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.