Greece: Demonstrators to gather in Thessaloniki September 15

Event

Protesters plan to gather at the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos monument in central Thessaloniki before marching through the city on Tuesday, September 15, to demand that the government takes action to protect refugees. The demonstration is being held in solidarity with migrants and refugees following a fire at the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos which broke out on Tuesday, September 8. Participants are expected to gather from 19:00 (local time).

A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the vicinity of protest sites, along with disruptions to overland travel. The demonstration is likely to remain peaceful, however, clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

Thousands of shelters in Moria camp were destroyed in the September 9 fire, leaving approximately 13,000 people with nowhere to stay. Greek authorities have sent three ships to provide accommodation for some of those left without shelter, and the EU has put forward a plan to relocate 400 unaccompanied minors. 

Advice

Those in Thessaloniki are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution.