Greece: Police respond with tear gas and flash grenades on violent protesters in Athens July 9 /update 2

Event

Thousands of protesters gathered in the vicinity of the Athens parliament on Thursday, July 9, against proposed legislation that would regulate public protests. The demonstration was organized by the All-Workers Militant Front (PAME) and tear gas and flash grenades were used by riot police after being attacked with petrol bombs and other weapons by violent protesters. Demonstrations were also held in dozens of other Greek cities and towns in opposition to the proposed government legislation.

Context

Legislators are expected to vote on a bill that regulates demonstrations by July 10. Propositions include the requirement that an organizer is appointed by those intending to stage a protest who will be responsible for liaising with police. The legislation also restricts protests which have low numbers of participation and penalties for protesters acting violently. Organizers could be held responsible for any damage caused by attendees. On July 2, some 3,500 protesters gathered at Syntagma square to call for the legislation's withdrawal.

Advice

Those in Athens and other major cities in Greece are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.