Greece: Activists protesting in Athens, Thessaloniki Dec. 6 to mark anniversary of killing of student by police

Event

Activists are protesting in Athens and Thessaloniki Dec. 6 to mark the 2008 killing of student Alexis Grigoropoulos by police. Participants have gathered at the Arch of Galerius and at the Venizelos statue in Thessaloniki; activists are also planning to march in the Propylaea area of Athens from 18:00. Related gatherings are also likely at the site of the killing in the Exarchia neighborhood of Athens. At least three people were arrested during related student-led demonstrations earlier in the day.

Precautionary crowd-control measures, including road closures and traffic diversions, are probable in the vicinity of such events. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible if the latter become disruptive or attempt to breach police cordons. Police are likely to attempt to forcibly disperse any disorderly gatherings; officers could use water cannon, baton charges, and tear gas. While foreign nationals are unlikely to be targeted, any violence would pose an indirect threat to bystanders.

Context

Anarchist groups gather each year on the anniversary of the killing, and related protests have previously turned violent. Demonstrations are possible on the day in other Greek cities.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and allow additional time for travel in the vicinity. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately.