Athens, Greece – Concerns have been growing in recent months about the restrictions and bans placed on protests in Greece, as well as the treatment of protesters, journalists, and lawyers at the hands of the police.
In July, as the coronavirus pandemic remained a threat, the Greek parliament passed a bill restricting protests – including outright bans – if they are deemed a threat to public safety.
The new law, which also holds protest organisers legally accountable for damage inflicted by protesters, was condemned by groups such as Amnesty International as well as the Athens bar association and the parliament’s own legislative review committee.
Αssociated Press
Pedestrians wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus walk past a graffiti made by street artist Achilles in central Athens, on Sunday Dec. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) 12/21/2020 The National Herald
ATHENS - Laws curbing protests in Greece’s capital during a second COVID-19 lockdown were denounced by a cadre of critics including demonstrators, journalists and lawyers who said police got rough in trying to enforce it.
After the former ruling Radical Left SYRIZA essentially let protesters run amok, clogging traffic and disrupting the city center, the New Democracy government has put clamps on demonstrations.
The law now requires that police be notified of protest events and sets fines for organizers if they get rowdy or violent or violate other measures aimed at keeping them confined.