Greece: Education protests planned in multiple urban centers, including Athens, Feb. 22

Education activists, students, and education sector workers will protest in multiple urban centers in Greece on Feb. 22 to denounce a government proposal to establish private universities. Organizers have announced details for several protests; however, activists will likely demonstrate in urban centers across the country. Details of the likely most disruptive demonstrations are as follows:

• Athens: Propylaea from 12:00.

• Thessaloniki: Arch of Galerius and Rotunda (Kamara Square) from 12:00.

• Patras: Georgiou I Square from 12:00.

The planned gatherings are the latest in a series of protests that began in December. It is unclear how many participants the demonstrations may draw; related protests on Feb. 15 drew around a thousand people in Athens and several hundred in Thessaloniki. Both events ended in clashes with police. Students in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other cities have protested at multiple university campuses and occupied several university faculty buildings.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near the announced demonstrations, as well as any other protests that emerge. Additional student demonstrations, as well as protests by educators associated with OLME, are likely in urban centers nationwide. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out, particularly at the Athens and Thessaloniki demonstrations, as they will likely draw the most participants. Bystanders would face an incidental risk if any violence occurs in their vicinity.