Greece: Activists to demonstrate in central Athens Nov. 15-17

Event

Several union and activist groups plan to demonstrate in Athens Nov. 15-17 to mark the 48th anniversary of the 1973 Athens Polytechnic uprising against Greece's former military dictatorship. The main demonstration will take place on Nov. 17, when activists will march from the Propylaea to the US Embassy beginning at 16:30. Commemorative events are also planned at Athens Polytechnic on Nov. 15 and 16. Additional rallies are likely in Athens and other Greek urban centers Nov. 15-17, likely locations include central squares, outside government offices, and at higher education institutions. All related demonstrations will likely attract large crowds; attendance will likely be in the thousands at larger gatherings.

As a precaution, authorities will likely implement additional security measures throughout Athens, and other affected areas Nov. 15-17, particularly Nov. 17; areas of focus will likely include Polytechneio and Exarcheia areas, the Propylaea Syntagma, and Omonia Squares, and the area around the US Embassy. Police may also suspend metro services and implement road closures and movement restrictions in these areas. Anniversary demonstrations in previous years have turned violent; confrontations between police and protesters are likely, security services could use riot control measures such as tear gas and water cannon against unruly crowds. While bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat of physical harm.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in Athens. Monitor local media for updates on commemorative events.