01 Nov 2023 | 10:48 AM UTC
Greece: Increased security measures reported in Heraklion, Neo Heraklion areas, Athens, amid demonstration ban Nov. 1-2
Police deployments reported in Heraklion and Neo Heraklion in Athens, Greece, amid protest ban Nov. 1-2. Protests likely. Clashes possible.
Heightened security has been imposed in the Heraklion and Neo Heraklion areas of Athens on Nov. 1 ahead of rival gatherings on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the murder of two Golden Dawn party members. Police expect the demonstrations to take place despite imposing a ban on gatherings until 06:00 Nov. 2. Over 3,000 additional police officers, including riot police and national police, have been deployed in Heraklion and Neo Heraklion. Police have ordered the indefinite closure of the Heraklion Metro and railway stations from 14:00 Nov. 1; trains will not stop at these stations.
Details of the far-right gatherings are unclear; however, police state the main demonstration will take place on Heraklion Avenue in Neo Heraklion from around 19:00 Nov. 1. Anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian groups have also called for protests on Nov. 1:
The Anti-Authoritarian Movement of Athens will lead a demonstration on Heraklion Avenue, near Heraklion Police Station, from 16:00.
The Anti-Fascist Coordination of Athens-Piraeus will lead a demonstration outside the Heraklion Metro station from 18:00.
Several student and labor organizations have indicated their intention to support the anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian gatherings.
It is unclear how well attended the far-right demonstration will be, but organizers have invited supporters from across Europe to attend; police arrested 21 members of the Italian far-right group CasaPound at Athens International Airport (ATH) early on Nov. 1. The gathering is also supported by several noteworthy far-right groups, including the Hellenic Front and Athens Autonomous. Attendance of rival demonstrations is similarly unclear; however, anti-fascist demonstrations are traditionally well attended, particularly those supported by student and labor organizations. Confrontations and violence between rival groups of protesters, as well as between protesters and police, are possible. Although unlikely to be targeted, bystanders would face an incidental risk of being caught in any violence.
Avoid the affected areas 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 and allow extra time for travel in the affected areas Nov. 1-2. Confirm rail services.
