Greece: Increased security measures imposed in Athens and Thessaloniki Dec. 6 ahead of memorial marches

Activists are planning several gatherings in Athens and Thessaloniki on Dec. 6 to mark the 2008 killing of student Alexis Grigoropoulos by police. In Athens, students will gather at the Propylaia of Athens University at 12:00, from where they will march through the area along an unspecified route. Civic organizations will gather at the same place for a rally and march around 18:00. Police have preemptively closed multiple roads in the area. Police have also indefinitely closed Panepistimio Metro station, while the Monastiraki Metro station will be closed from 11:00-15:00 and again from 18:00; trains will pass through these stations without stopping.

In Thessaloniki, students will gather at Kamara Square (Arch of Galerius) and march through the city center at 12:00. Civic organizations and anti-authoritarian groups will also gather in Kamaras Square from 18:00 before marching through central areas of the city.

Attendance at the various gatherings is unclear, but precedent suggests turnout could reach the low thousands. Police will almost certainly deploy heavily in both cities to monitor the gatherings. Extensive road closures and related disruptions are likely. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Police will likely attempt to disperse any disorderly gatherings forcibly; officers could use water cannons, baton charges, and tear gas. In Athens, student and anti-authoritarian groups might stage related protests in the Exarcheia neighborhood overnight Dec 6-7; there is an elevated risk of violence between police and protesters at any such gathering.