Greece: Further protests over train collision likely in Athens and Thessaloniki through at least early March /update 1

Event

Additional protests are likely in Athens and Thessaloniki through at least early March in response to a deadly train collision near Tempi, Larissa, late Feb. 28. Related gatherings have been confirmed on March 3. In Athens, student activist groups and the Syriza opposition party will protest in Syntagma Square from 19:00. Thousands of people could attend the gathering.

In Thessaloniki, three protests will take place. Student associations will gather in Kamara Square around 18:30 before marching through the area. Teachers will also hold a march starting from the Statue of Eleftherios Venizelos on Egnatia around 18:30. Finally, the Syriza party will stage a march starting from Aristotelous Square around 19:00.

Authorities will likely deploy a heavy police presence near any related gatherings that may materialize. Transport and business disruptions are likely near demonstrations. Student activists clashed with police during a demonstration outside the Hellenic Train headquarters in Athens late March 1. Clashes also took place in Athens on the evening of March 2. In Thessaloniki, clashes between police and protesters were reported in multiple areas on March 2, including Kamara Square; police repeatedly used tear gas to disperse demonstrators through the evening. Additional protests may take place at these or other sites in Athens or Thessaloniki in the coming days. Violence at related gatherings is possible.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.