15 Nov 2019 | 07:56 PM UTC
Greece: Demonstrations planned in Athens and Thessaloniki November 17
Demonstrations commemorating the 1973 student uprising planned in Athens and Thessaloniki November 17; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions likely
Event
More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki commemorating the 1973 student uprising beginning at 18:30 (local time) on Sunday, November 17. Participants plan to gather at Athens Polytechnic University and march to Syntagma Square and the Embassy of the United States in Athens. In Thessaloniki, participants will gather at the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University and march to the US Consulate. Road closures are set to begin at 15:00 ahead of the demonstrations.
US diplomatic authorities have announced that access to US missions in Athens and Thessaloniki will be limited starting at 13:00 on Sunday until the conclusion of the demonstrations.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Demonstrations are held each year to commemorate the 1973 student uprising at Athens Polytechnic University against the ruling military junta. November 17 is observed as a holiday by educational institutions across Greece, which typically close for the day and hold commemorative services. Past November 17 demonstrations have seen mass riots and deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.
Advice
Individuals in Athens and Thessaloniki are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
