Alexandros Grigoropoulos murder: Students take to the streets – Police make detentions
A student march is underway in Athens on Friday, 6 December 2024, marking 16 years since the murder of Alexandros Grigoropoulos.
Commemorative marches across Greece
Sixteen years have passed since the night Alexandros Grigoropoulos was killed by special guard Epaminondas Korkoneas in Exarchia. The heinous crime, committed at the intersection of Mesolongiou and Tzavella streets, left an indelible mark on collective memory, prompting widespread protests against police brutality.
From early morning, gatherings and marches have taken place across the country to commemorate Grigoropoulos’ death. Students, teachers, and organisations have convened at Propylaia in Athens. Currently, a student march is ongoing in the city centre, while a separate march by collectives, unions, and organisations is planned for 6:00 PM.
Police presence and detentions
The Hellenic Police (EL.AS) has carried out 24 preventive detentions near the march routes. According to EL.AS, hundreds of people are participating in the march.
Tributes at Grigoropoulos memorial
As in previous years, people have laid flowers at the memorial for Alexandros Grigoropoulos in Exarchia to honour his memory.
Similar protests in other cities
Commemorative gatherings and marches are also scheduled in Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, and various other cities.
Heavy police deployment
The police force deployed for the occasion matches that of the annual Polytechnic commemoration, numbering around 5,000 officers. This includes riot police (MAT), the DIAS motorcycle unit, the DRASI rapid-response team stationed in Exarchia, traffic police, and other specialised units.
Water cannon vehicles, drones, and helicopters are also in operation, providing continuous updates to the operations centre of the Attica General Police Directorate (GADA).
Although no groups have expressed an intention to march toward embassies, police will maintain a strong presence at potential targets, including police stations and government ministries.
For the student march, riot police will monitor discreetly. However, the evening march will see stricter measures, with forces escorting the march and maintaining a security perimeter around Exarchia.
Heightened security measures
This year’s security measures are more stringent due to recent developments, such as arrests related to terrorism and an incident involving a police officer accused of domestic abuse. Authorities believe these events could provoke demonstrators.
Traffic disruptions
According to an EL.AS announcement, traffic measures will be implemented gradually, depending on conditions. The Attica Traffic Directorate has also planned measures to ease movement in the city centre.
Drivers are advised to avoid parking or driving near the event areas to minimise inconvenience and prevent additional traffic issues.
Metro closures
As ordered by the police, two metro stations are closed due to the gatherings.
- The “Panepistimio” station has been closed since 9:00 AM.
- The “Monastiraki” station (Lines 1 & 3) closed at 11:00 AM and will remain shut until 3:00 PM, reopening briefly before closing again at 5:00 PM.
Trains will pass through these stations without stopping, and the stations will reopen following further instructions from EL.AS.
Also read: Metro stations closure for Grigoropoulos rallies tomorrow
Source: News24
