Greece: Students' protests ongoing in central Athens as of late Sept. 17

Event

Several student organizations have gathered in central Athens as of late Sept. 17 to denounce the introduction of police patrols on university campuses. Police have reportedly employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.

Increased security, as well as localized transport and business disruptions, are likely for the duration of the demonstrations in central Athens. Security forces will likely remain deployed. Riot police will almost certainly employ crowd control measures, particularly if the protesters refuse to heed their instructions.

Context

Additional demonstrations in opposition to the deployment of police on campuses in Athens are almost certain. Major protests have occurred near Constitution Squares in Athens and Thessaloniki, Sept. 8. The demonstrations have primarily been organized by several student organizations, including the Students Struggle Front (MAS) and Communist Youth of Greece (KNE). The protests are in response to the New Democracy (ND) political party's deployment of University Institutions Protection Teams (OPPI), which allegedly aims to protect academic centers from anarchism and vandalism.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in the affected area.