Violent Incidents in Central Athens
Posted by evdomada on February 3, 2008
02 Feb 2008
Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΑNA-ΝΕΤ 105,8
Athens city center turned into a battlefield today. Incidents started at 11:00 in Stadiou Street between police, protestors and supporters of extreme right and leftist parties that had organized rallies. Far-right supportrs members of “Chrisi Avgi” organization had originally planned a rally at Kolokotroni Square at 19:00 on Saturday to mark the “anniversary of Imia”. Extreme right wing supporters had gathered at Kolokotroni Square while other leftist groups had gathered at Klathmonos Sqare. At around 14:00 police clashed with left-wing, anti-establishment youths that had set up road blocks and cut off traffic on Panepistimiou Street.
Police forces used tear gas and arrested suspects. At around midday, the situation had calmed down. The far-right supporters departed from the area after talking with the public prosecutor. Anti-establishment groups also left and came down to Athens Propylaia and Ipokratous St.
How the Incidents Began
The incidents began a little after 11:00. A group of far rightist youths, most of which were in uniforms and with helmets on had staged a sit-in at Kolokotronis Square early in the morning, on the occasion of the rally, commemorating the Imia anniversary scheduled by nationalists and members of the far right organization “Chrysi Avgi” for 19:00 Saturday. Meanwhile, dozens of bodies and organisations, including ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) and OLME (Greek Federation of State School Teachers of Secondary Education) had programmed an anti-fascist event in the same spot for 14:00. However, the far rightists arrived early and occupied the square to prevent leftists and anarchists from occupying the area.
The anarchists, from their side gathered at the Propylaia, where tensions ran high. Two groups from both sides clashed on the Stadiou-Omirou junction, while the police used tear gas to disperse them. After the groups dispersed, it was discovered that an anarchist had been hit on the head from a stone, while as per information he had sustained knife injuries. Two people were injured as they were hit by stones and a third was stabbed with a knife. All three are now treated in “Evangelismos” hospital.
Situation Has Calmed Down
Now, the situation has calmed down. Traffic in the city center is conducted normally. In Exarchia area sporadic small incidents are reported. According to police, leftist supporters who had entered University Campus have left. It must be reported that during the clashes 5 bank buildings and a store were damaged. PASOK spokesman Mr. Ragousis among other statemnts added: “The police was absent and Athens was an unfortified city today.” SYN in its announcement calls on the police “to stop acting as an anti-state group of the 60s.” LAOS condemns the violence no matter where it is derived from.
