Clashes in Athens broke out after police forces battled with groups of protesters in central Athens after a march commemorating the 16th anniversary of Alexandros Grigoropoulos concluded on Friday evening.
Protesters and anarchists hurled Molotov cocktails against anti-riot police units, who responded by firing tear gas and stun grenades. The unrest included barricades and stone-throwing, with police chasing down protesters in the surrounding streets in the district of Exarchia in the Greek capital.
Greek police detained 36 individuals in the past few hours as part of preventive checks ahead of the evening rally and march, marking 16 years since the fatal shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos. Protesters alleged police officers used excessive force.
Earlier on Friday, the march, organized by leftist groups, unions, and civic organizations, ended without any incident. The march took place in commemoration of Grigoropoulos, a teenager, who was fatally shot by police officer Epaminondas Korkoneas on December 6, 2008, a killing that sparked widespread protests across Greece at the time.
Heavy Police Deployment
Over 5,000 police officers were deployed across Athens for the anniversary. Authorities carried out dozens of detentions during the evening amid allegations of police brutality. The police plan also included the use of water cannons and drones, with law enforcement stationed at police precincts, government ministries, and embassies.
Unrest Spreads to Thessaloniki
Similar incidents occurred in Thessaloniki following a commemorative march there. The central avenue Egnatia Street turned into a battleground, reflecting the continued tensions surrounding the anniversary of the tragic event.
