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Riots and Strikes in Greece

Safety & Security Report

Europe - Greece
December 10 2008

Safety & Security Report

 

Overview

 

On December 7, a Hellenic National Police Special Guard shot and killed a 15-year local old boy in downtown Athens.  In response, anarchist and student groups staged protests and riots causing extensive damage to businesses, as well as residential dwellings.  The protests and riots continued throughout the day on Tuesday, December 9.  The situation will likely remain tenuous for the rest of the week.  Further complicating the situation is a previously scheduled national transportation strike scheduled for December 10, which will shut down airlines and other public transportation for the better part of the day.  A few western companies in Athens are requesting police to be posted outside their establishments to deter would-be vandals.      

 

Rioting and Vandalism

 

Most of the rioting and subsequent damage is taking place near the Athens University, Polytechnic University, Omonia Square, Exarchia Square, Syntagma Square and the Parliament building.  Anarchist groups have gathered near the universities because of a law that prohibits police from pursuing perpetrators onto university property.  Protesters are using the grounds as a rally point after engaging riot police with stones and Molotov cocktails. 

 

There are reports of anarchist and others looting stores, torching vehicles, and residential buildings, and various businesses.  According to reporting from OSAC staff in-country, the majority of businesses being vandalized are local.  However, a western bank received extensive damage to over fifty of its automatic-teller-machines (ATMs), an American auto-dealership was torched outside of Athens, and a few western businesses have had windows broken.  OSAC staff reports that most, if not all, acts of vandalism are targets of opportunity.  There have been no reported cases of westerners being targeted or injured.     

 

Although the most affected area has been Athens, violent demonstrations have occurred in the major cities of Thessaloniki, Larisa and Trikala. 

 

Government Response

 

Greek officials are attempting to quell the unrest through the presence of 45,000 police, closing down streets in the city center, and publicly denouncing the shooting of the boy.  Despite these efforts, anarchist groups continue to engage anti-riot police with non-lethal attacks.  Opposition political parties are using the unrest as an opportunity to state their grievances and organize rallies.      

 

Western Response

 

Businesses in Athens are urging their patrons and staff to stay away from the city-center – particularly local universities and the parliament building.  Some western businesses have requested that anti-riot police patrol their street or remain stationary to deter would-be vandals.  OSAC cannot confirm whether or not these requests are being fulfilled by local authorities.  OSAC staff reports that because of the national transportation strike and the on-going unrest, some companies are instituting a liberal leave policy.       

 

 

For further information please contact OSAC’s Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe (covering for our Western Europe Coordinator in Athens) at 571-345-2234.   

 

 

The contents of this (U) report in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The presentation was compiled from various open sources and (U) embassy reporting. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Publishing or otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support.