02 Mar 2021 | 10:26 AM UTC
Greece: Solidarity protests planned in Athens and Thessaloniki March 2
Activists plan protests in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece, March 2. Increased security, localized disruptions likely. Clashes possible.
Event
Activist groups, including leftist, anarchist, and antifascist groups, will demonstrate in Athens and Thessaloniki March 2 in solidarity with hunger striking prisoner Dimitris Koufontinas. Koufontinas is serving a life sentence for his role in a series of deadly terrorist attacks perpetrated in Greece 1975-2000 by the far-left militant group the Revolutionary Organization 17 November. Solidarity rallies will take place at the following times and locations:
Thessaloniki
1300: Rally at the Arch of Galerius (also known as the Kamara) on Egnatia Street
1800: Rally at the White Tower of Thessaloniki
Athens
1800: Rally in Syntagma Square
Authorities will deploy additional police to the protest areas. Increased security measures, including movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions until the protests have concluded. Previous related protests in Thessaloniki in recent weeks have featured some scuffles with police; numerous arrests were made. Although bystanders are not likely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat.
Advice
Exercise caution near protest sites and avoid any protests that may materialize due to the potential for confrontations and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow additional time for travel in affected areas.
