Greece: Demonstrations planned in Athens and Thessaloniki November 17

Event

Thousands of people are expected to participate in demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki on Tuesday, November 17, to commemorate the 1973 student uprising against the ruling military junta. Participants in Athens will reportedly gather at Klafthmonos square at 14:00 (local time) before marching to the US embassy building. In Thessaloniki, participants will reportedly gather from 13:30 at the Technical University before marching to the US Consulate building.

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, 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.