Greece: Violent clashes break out in Athens and Thessaloniki December 6 /update 2

Event

Anti-police protests in Athens and Thessaloniki have turned violent on Thursday, December 6, as protesters clashed with police on the 10th anniversary of the killing of teenager Alexandros Grigoropoulos. Protesters in Athens' Exarcheia district erected barricades, burned cars, and threw rocks, Molotov cocktails, and firecrackers at police following protests across through the capital earlier in the day. Some 2500 police officers were deployed in Athens on Thursday; the officers fired tear gas and a water cannon at the protesters and detained at least 28 people. In Thessaloniki, demonstrators gathered at Kamara and erected barricades and threw Molotov cocktails at police officers who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

A heightened security presence and lingering transportation disruptions are to be expected in Athens and Thessaloniki over the coming hours. Further protests and clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Alexandros 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, anticipate transportation disruptions, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.