04 Dec 2017 | 11:27 PM UTC
Greece: Protest in Thessaloniki December 4
Protests in Thessaloniki December 4; protests in several Greek cities December 6; Erdogan visits Athens November 7 and Thrace on November 8
Event
An anarchist protest was ongoing in Thessaloniki as of 20:20 (local time) on Monday, December 4. The protest reportedly began at 17:00 on Kalapothaki Street, and was organized by the anarchist Coordination of Colleges of Thessaloniki group; the group is protesting the ability of banks to auction properties during a meeting of the Thessaloniki Court of Appeals Notary Association at the Thessaloniki Courthouse (5, 26th October Street). Small skirmishes between protesters and police have been reported.
In addition, protests are scheduled in several Greek cities on Wednesday, December 6, including in Athens, to commemorate the death of Alexis Grigoropoulos, a boy killed by Athenian police officers in 2008. A heightened security presence and consequent traffic disruptions are expected in Athens in advance of the protests; violence between protesters and riot police are possible.
Additionally, a heightened security presence and potential consequent protests and transportation disruptions are expected during a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Athens on Thursday, December 7, and Thrace on Friday, December 8.
Advice
Individuals in the affected Greek cities are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to avoid protests due to the potential for violence, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.