Greece: Activists to protest in central Athens, Oct. 5

Event

Activists representing "Cooperating Pension Organizations" plan to protest at Syntagma Square in Athens from 10:00 Oct. 5. Attendees will gather to denounce government pension reforms and to call for increased payments. It is not known how many demonstrators will attend: previous pension reform rallies have attracted hundreds in 2016 and 2017 and around 10,000 in 2020.

Greek authorities will deploy additional security services to police the protest. Large crowds and associated security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized business and transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Clashes between protesters and security services are possible; police could resort to riot control measures such as tear gas and water cannon against unruly crowds. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of physical harm.

Advice

Avoid the protest 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.