[olympiaworkers] Updates from the General Strike In Greece
Wednesday, June 29th: Constant updates
Second day of nationwide general strike
http://en.contrainfo.espiv.net/
URGENT PLEA FOR DOCUMENTS (PHOTOS/VIDEOS) OF CLASHES, in order to prove
the innocence of the arrested demonstrators and to expose the brutality of
State's repression.
Any relevant information should be sent to Athens IMC:
imc-athens-editorial@lists.indymedia.org
Legal Aid Group of Syntagma Square: 0030 6932 582973, 0030 6938 907267
Videos from June 29th
01.20 GMT+2 Ongoing assembly at the occupied town hall of Chania, Crete.
24.40 GMT+2 The Monastiraki assembly decided to march in the centre. An
about 500 people march takes place in Thissio and Gazi areas of the
centre. Some people from this crowd ended up in Syntagma where they joined
the small number of people who had remained there.
23.00-24.00 Updates from the province
Thessaloniki: A demonstration of about 6,000 people moved through the city
streets heading to the town hall in order to occupy it. The demo also
passed before MPs' offices. At the moment the people are gathered in front
of the city hall while police squads have lined up in the streets above
the city hall.
Kozani, northern Greece: The occupation of the Labour Centre of the city
continuous.
Patra: Ongoing open popular assembly.
Chios Island: The town hall has been occupied by demonstrators.
Mytilini, Lesvos Island: A call for a PA's [mikrofoniki] and a gathering
at Sapfous Square has been made earlier.
23.30 GMT+2 Riot police have had all their work leaves recalled for the
next few days and have been ordered to be on high alert.
23.00 GMT+2 Exarchia: 100-150 DELTA motorcycle cops appeared in Asklipiou
Street and lined up in the surrounding streets, in groups of 4–5.
About 23.00 GMT+2 Kozani, northern Greece: The assembly of the occupied
Labour Centre decided to continue the occupation; there is a call for an
open assembly at 5 pm tomorrow.
22.30-23.00 GMT+2 Slightly more calm the situation in Syntagma. Many
people are inside the metro station; outside ongoing minor clashes. Tear
gassing against the Medical Centre at the lower side of the square.
22.46 Heraklion, Crete: The open popular assembly of Eleftherias Square
decided and realized a demo of 700 people in solidarity with the arrested
in Athens and against the police State and the repression at Syntagma
Square.
22.30 GMT+2 Despite the profound level of state violence in Athens today,
thousands remain in the streets and on Syntagma Square, resisting. An
assembly is ongoing at Monastiraki Square while a barricade has just been
erected in Filellinon. There are several police blockades in various
points across the city. Since early morning today, there is an ongoing
chemical warfare against the people. DIAS and DELTA motorcycle police
attacked and beat up hundreds of demonstrators around Ermou Street, raided
university premises and even restaurants beating up tourists and
protesters. For the first time ever, the luxurious King George Hotel on
Syntagma Square has been evacuated.
22.00 GMT+2 Tension is transported to Exarchia. Earlier in Bouboulinas
Street rioters attacked a riot police wagon. The squads fired tear gas and
then a manhunt followed in Tositsa alley; a new Molotov cocktail attack
against police squads that are situated behind the Museum.
21.30 GMT+2 The Exarchia police station and two police jeeps on Tositsa
street in the neighbourhood have both been attacked in retaliation for
today's wave of state violence.
21.00 GMT+2 People are gathering at Monastiraki Square, responding at the
gathering call that had been announced earlier in order to coordinate
self-organized actions. Latest reports suggest an assembly of about
600–700 people. Almost at the same time, 5o motorcycles of DELTA and DIAS
police forces surrounded the Akropolis metro stop and chased people even
inside the district's shops and cafes. Then they passed the Aeropagitou
pedestrian street without hesitating to fire tear gas – occupants on
motorcycles – against passers-by.
20.30 GMT+2 A lot of different fronts of clashes all around the city;
barricades in front of King George Ηotel and most of the streets around
Syntagma square. Citizens responding to the repeated pleas for help, have
started to join the people on the streets; at the same time, cops blocked
even an ambulance which was reaching injured protesters. Police brutality
is undiminished. A while ago, at the lower side of the square, the pigs in
uniforms detained a youngster and many of them have beaten him fiercely.
Just after that, they had the audacity to do the V sign in front of the
protesters that tried to prevent the detention.
20.15 GMT+2 MAT forces attack the perimeter of the square.
20.00 GMT+2 The DIY medical centre that functioned in the metro station of
Syntagma Square helped more than 500 people who had been injured or went
there with severe breathing problems. The Gennimatas General Hospital in
Athens by now has had 80–100 injured demonstrators, while 170 protesters
visited the A&E of Evangelismos hospital by 5 pm.
19.55 GMT+2 Urgent plea for medical help and doctors at Syntagma. There is
a need for masks, antacid medicines, blankets and oxygen.
19.45 GMT+2 About 1,000 people are gathered again in Kolonaki, after they
have been expelled from the central streets.
19.40 GMT+2 Syntagma: Cops are throwing once again stones against the
protesters' heads.
19.35 GMT+2 Akadimias Street, at the height of the Law School: A DELTA
team has surrounded a group of demonstrators. The people finally managed
to escape into the premises of the university.
19.30 GMT+2 Tension at the Columns of the Olympian Zeus [Olympieion].
Police forces are trying to push away the gathered crowd.
19.20 GMT+2 Cops over the upper stairs at Syntagma raid the square with
murderous fury, throwing stun grenades and stones at protesters; lots of
tear gas now. At least two seriously injured persons were carried out by
doctors. People respond with stone throwing. Meanwhile, there are no
longer any protesters at Propylaea (where an evening gathering had
previously been called). Only four police squads are lined up there.
Police have blocked the wider area of Syntagma. A few fighters remain on
the square. Most people have dispersed to the surrounding streets and
districts.
19.00 GMT+2 Tension outside the National Garden.
18.55 GMT+2 DELTA motorcycle cops are chasing and beating demonstrators in
the streets of Plaka.
Injured demonstrator; murderous attack
18.50 GMT+2 People gathered at Propylaea, Plaka and Monastiraki are
attacked and chased. At Monastiraki the 'democratic forces' didn't
hesitate to throw tear gas even at the electric railway (ISAP) station.
Cops fired tear gas and invaded the university building of the Department
of Media and Communications (in Kalamiotou Street, Kapnikareas Square)
where many protesters fled. The cops were repelled from the School.
18.45 GMT+2 A crowd is recovering inside Syntagma metro station which
continues to operate normally. The metro workers have not stopped for a
minute to help demonstrators in every possible way. The demonstrators have
taken over the square once again while cops have encircled its perimeter.
18.30 GMT+2 There is an urgent need for severely injured demonstrators to
be transferred to hospitals. The square is once again full of people.
18.25 GMT+2 About 20 DELTA motorcycle cops rushed through the crowd
situated in Ermou Street near Kapnikarea. A clash between groups of
protesters and joined DELTA, MAT forces followed. One of the DELTA cops
crashed with the protesters and got badly beaten right afterwards.
18.20 GMT+2 Barricades and clashes in Panepistimiou Street. There are
250–300 protesters at the same spot —maybe more. Meanwhile, smoke comes
out from the Ministry of Finance arcade, at Syntagma.
18.18 GMT+2 The use of tear gas inside Syntagma metro continues; the cops
invade now. The people disperse in all directions at the risk of being
trampled.
18.15 GMT+2 The cops moved from the surrounding streets and have invaded
Syntagma Square. The people are encircled. The cops hit brutally, throwing
chemicals and stepping over the demonstrators' tents. Shortly before the
Medical Centre of Syntagma Square was broken, which has been moved into
the metro station for safety reasons.
18.05 GMT+2 The forces of repression are shooting rubber bullets at
Stadiou and Voukourestiou streets.
18.00 GMT+2 People have gathered in Propylaea, responding to the gathering
call at 6 pm.
17.53 GMT+2 Attempted arson at the Agrotikil Bank on Panepistimiou Street.
People are smashing the surrounding banks. The protesters who tried to
burn the bank stopped when they realized that there were people inside.
17.20 GMT+2 Street battles now in Filellinon Street. Continuous reports of
severely wounded protesters. A municipality pillar was burned. Everybody
demands the withdrawal of cops; great fatigue and anger of the people.
Apart from the merciless chemical warfare, the cops are throwing stones
back against demonstrators since hours.
17.10 GMT+2 Cops appear to open a passageway in Amalias, in order for the
MPs to flee from the parliament. There is a confrontational mood among the
people that have regrouped at Propylaea (Panepistimio metro stop is open).
THERE IS A CALL-OUT FOR AN EVENING'S GATHERING AT PROPYLAEA, AT 6 pm.
17.00 GMT+2 A tremendous coordinated cop attack in Amalias Street, right
in front of the parliament; apparent police operation for Syntagma's
evacuation. Countless tear gas attacks and stun grenades. The cops have
permitted Ermou Street as the only outlet. Syntagma metro station
operates, but its spaces are overcrowded. People fight back with
unprecedented courage. There is an estimated 500 injured protesters.
Volunteers of the Medical Centre of Syntagma Square are making commendable
efforts to aid wounded protesters. There is also a nursing unit near
Athens Megaron (Megaro Moussikis metro stop).
16.47 GMT+2 After a half-hour ceasefire, and numerous detentions in
various parts of the city centre, a simultaneous police attack was
launched at the four corners of Syntagma. The cops raid the square
throwing chemicals. One arrest on the square, among many other detentions;
clashes on the square.
16.42 GMT+2 Easy access to Syntagma via the open metro stations:
Panepistimio and Syntagma stops.
16.24 GMT+2 It has just been confirmed that the cops have also been using
rubber bullets against demonstrators at Syntagma. Furthermore, the use of
a new type of grenade by motorcycle cops has been reported.
16.10 GMT+2 The agreement (mid-term memorandum) was voted in the
parliament from a total of 155 MPs. Ongoing street battles in Propylaea
and Stadiou Street. A while ago DELTA and DIAS motorcyclist cops raided
the district. There's still a way for people to reach Syntagma:
Panepistimio and Syntagma metro stations operate.
15.55 GMT+2 A savage beating of a detainee at the junction of Ermou
Street. Continuous attacks by cops against medics and nurses. Too harsh
clashes, melees and dense stone throwing. Chemical warfare.
15.30 GMT+2 The large-scale police operation continues. Tear gas shot
directly at demonstrators in the square. People panic and risk the danger
of being trampled. The body of strikers is split in three parts: towards
Mitropoleos, Filellinon and Stadiou streets. The situation is hazardous in
Filellinon Street.
15.07 GMT+2 A large-scale police operation in front of the Hotel Grande
Bretagne; marble by the hotel has been broken up for use. People remain
persistently at Syntagma Square.
14.58 Kozani, northern Greece: During the past half hour the premises of
the Labour Centre have been occupied by anarchists in solidarity with all
those who struggle right now on the Greek streets. This will be a 24hour
occupation in order to serve as a local centre of counter-information.
There is a call out for an open assembly at 5 pm.
14.30 GMT+2 In Filellinon Street there are quite large blocks of ML-'K'KE,
EEK, Synaspismos Youth, Poultry Farmers' Cooperative of Epirus,
Association of Radio Technicians and a large group from the popular
assembly of Egaleo.
14.16 GMT+2 Police attack the demonstrators with an unprecedented amount
of teargas. Everyone is refusing to leave the square. Main slogan is
'Bread, Education, and Freedom–Τhe Junta did not end in 1973.'
14.11 GMT+2 Cops re-erect the railings in front of the parliament, while
police squads attack people on the square with an unprecedented amount of
tear gas. Protesters resist, and do not leave the place.
14.00 GMT+2 Chania, Crete Island: Occupation of the town hall after a
large morning gathering in solidarity with the students and teachers who
are persecuted because of their involvement in a protest against last
year's nationalist parade of October 28th. In their way to the town hall,
the demonstrators paid a visit to PASOK ruling party's offices and
vandalized them. An assembly was held in the building. It was agreed to
continue the occupation until 8 pm.
13.55 GMT+2 At this moment, clashes at Syntagma Square in front of the
parliament.
13.38 GMT+2 Railings in front of the parliament no longer exist. People
tore them down. Unbelievable melees; police squads have moved in front of
the fallen barriers.
13.36 GMT+2 Cops defiantly fire tear gas against the crowd. The
demonstrators are well organized and determined to struggle. With bare
hands they pick the tear gas canisters and throw them back to the cops.
Nobody leaves the place.
13.30 GMT+2 A block of about 500 protesters that were gathered at
Kallimarmaro decided to move to Syntagma. At the same time, thousands of
people are gathered at Syntagma, while the cops start throwing tear gas in
Amalias Street.
13.24 GMT+2 One of the unprovoked attacks by riot police; video from the
Hilton blockade.
13.00 GMT+2 'Vouli,' the Parliament's TV channel broadcasts an almost
empty parliament hall.
12.45 GMT+2 Two protesters were detained in front of the Ministry of
Finance. The people managed to liberate them. The two protesters that were
detained earlier at Evangelismos blockade were released as well.
12.12 GMT+2 Almost 100 protesters occupy the alley behind Zappeion. There
is a strong presence of repressive forces such as the motorcyclists of the
DELTA police unit.
12.00 GMT+2 Police managed to hold two passages at Zappeion and the War
Museum from where MPs passed in order to enter parliament. There is a need
for reinforcements of demonstrators. At the same time, people swarm
Syntagma in numerous blocks (the 'communist' PAME too) and reach the
square.
11.59 GMT+2 The Evangelismos blockade is broken. Two Mercedes cars of MPs
passed Vassilissis Sofias Avenue heading to parliament.
11.55 GMT+2 Protesters have barricaded the alley behind the Zappeion Hall.
There is a need for its reinforcement to prevent the passage of more MPs.
11.50 GMT+2 Thessaloniki: A while ago, a group of anti-authoritarians
occupied the Central Finance Office of Church (EKYO). They hung a banner
on the building which read 'Social expropriation of church property.'
11.40 GMT+2 An estimated 10,000 now at Syntagma. Demonstrators arrive from
other Greek cities (Thessaloniki, Patras, Chalkida, Larissa, Volos,
Trikala) and from the Evangelismos blockade.
11.25 GMT+2 Eight injured protesters have been transferred to the hospital
so far, several beaten by cops and others with respiratory problems due to
tear gas.
11.20 GMT+2 Minor stone throwing at Kallimarmaro.
11.15 GMT+2 Approximately just 10 MPs are now inside the parliament. There
is an ongoing, large-scale police operation to ensure the entry of MPs in
the parliament (the start of the agreement's enactment is scheduled for 2
pm).
11.07 GMT+2 The Kallimarmaro blockade consists mainly of neighbourhood
assemblies. There is an immediate need for reinforcements. The protesters
have erected barricades with trash bins which have been set alight. A
while ago, stone throwing against the riot police began in Kallimarmaro.
11.06 GMT+2 Downtown Athens: At least 200 demonstrators passed through the
wealthy district of Kolonaki chanting the slogan: 'Bread, Education,
Freedom –The Junta did not end in '73.'
11.05 GMT+2 Two detentions at Evangelismos. People were forced to move
towards Kolonaki.
11.00 GMT+2 Thessaloniki: About 500 workers of the Thessaloniki Water
Supply and Sewerage Company's rank'n'file unions march to the city's port.
10.56 GMT+2 There are around 200 demonstrators at the Evangelismos
blockade. The police forces have been reinforced.
10.53 GMT+2 Athens, Kallimarmaro: Police squads have attacked the
protesters in Eratosthenous Street and detained one protester.
07.30-10.00 GMT+2 Komotini, northern Greece: The premises of the
Prefecture of Eastern Macedonia–Thrace have been occupied by about 30
people from the popular assembly of Komotini Square (indignant citizens).
After that, the squatters moved to the square where they met with other
people in order to continue the counter-information actions, as it was
decided yesterday at the assembly. People from Xanthi also participated in
the occupation.
09.00 GMT+2 A few minutes ago, police squads launched a fierce attack
against nearly 500 protesters who were at the Evangelismos blockade.
People tried to use smoke bombs to prevent units of DIAS motorcycle police
forces from blocking the road. Extensive use of tear gas. Reports of at
least three injured protesters. Evangelismos metro station is closed. The
strikers regrouped at the Hilton hotel, where the cops attacked them
again. At the same time, at the Panathenaic Stadium [Kallimarmaro]
blockade, protesters from neighbourhood assemblies that had blockaded
Vassileos Constantinou Avenue were attacked and pushed back by two police
squads and their block was split. Half of them are now (ca 9.30) at
Eratosthenous Street and Vassileos Constantinou Avenue intersection; the
other half are in Ardittou Street; reports of at least one injured
protester.
01.00 GMT+2 Ongoing police brutality. Cops beat people with fury. A
demonstrator announced that a nurse was attacked fiercely and was
seriously injured. The Medical Centre of Syntagma Square makes a plea for
pharmaceutical supplies, volunteer doctors, medics and nurses. There is an
urgent need for people who can provide first aid.
00.45 GMT+2 At the upper side of the square the 'indignados' shout against
police squads. At the square a lot of people are dancing. At the lower
side the clashes continue.
00.44 GMT+2 Athens: Metro stations 'vibrate' with the people's slogan 'THE
JUNTA DID NOT END IN 1973'. Employees of the metro defied police orders
and instead of blocking the stations' entrances they helped people get
away from police forces.
00.40 GMT+2 More detentions reported, along with continuous use of tear
gas on the upper side of the square, in front of the Unknown Soldier
Monument.
00.30 GMT+2 Athens: Motorcycle cops and police squads launch a large
operation in Stadiou Street. There are detentions and savage beatings.
According to reports, one protester suffered beatings with a baton and was
kicked by cops for five minutes.
00.04 GMT+2 Kalamata, Peloponnese: At the moment, at least 100 people
march to the town's police station, demonstrating against the repression
at Syntagma Square.
June 29th, 2011 | Tags: general strike, greece, June 29th, live updates |
Category: Announcements – Events, Ecology – Health, Labor, Migration –
Antifascism, News, Prisons – Detention, State Repression, Videos -
Multimedia | 6 comments
Tuesday, June 28th: Constant updates
First day of nationwide general strike
24.00 GMT+2 Downtown Athens has become a battlefield. Yet, the people
remain on the streets despite the relentless use of tear gas and the
fierce attacks by cops, which culminated during the night. The protesters
are in urgent need of aid; whoever withdraws from streets does this
because of great fatigue, rather than fear. All day there were blunt
orders by the regime to evacuate Syntagma area, via a superpower of
repressive forces and a strong presence of plainclothes. Also cops were
conscripted from across the province. It should be reminded that tomorrow
at 2 pm the mid-term memorandum will be put on vote, so the strikers are
asked to flood Syntagma from early in the morning in order to encircle the
parliament. Many strikers in solidarity are expected with the first train
from Thessaloniki.
23.50 GMT+2 A few minutes ago, police squads stormed from Stadiou Street
and suffocated people with tones of tear gas. At the lower side of
Syntagma Square barricades are erected. Protesters resist despite their
great fatigue. The entire area vibrates by the slogans COPS, PIGS,
MURDERERS and THE JUNTA DID NOT END IN 1973.
23.39 GMT+2 After a 3hour detention, detainees were transferred to police
HQ in Athens for another six hours. All 20 detentions were swiftly turned
into arrests. All people in solidarity are calling for a gathering
tomorrow, June 29th, at 10 am outside the courthouse in Evelpidon Street.
Among others, a 56-year-old woman has been arrested earlier at Syntagma
Square.
23.30 GMT+2 Up to this time, there are constant harsh clashes.
Continually, medics run to help numerous injured protesters, transferring
them from outside Hotel Grande Bretagne.
23.17 GMT+2 Dissent is generalized; there are people hurdling rocks to the
police across the centre of Athens. In Stadiou Street police are now
attacking demonstrators, and the clashes continue in Syntagma as before.
Filellinon and surrounding streets are lined with police squads. There are
at least 5-6 police units outside the Russian Church near Syntagma. At the
Zappeion hundreds of DELTA motorcycle police forces. At the junction of
Ardittou and Vouliagmenis streets, near First Cemetery of Athens, there
are dozens of motorcyclist cops.
23.15 GMT+2 A huge crowd at Syntagma tonight, multiple times larger than
the crowd at the general strike demo in the morning. Clashes between
police squads and demonstrators forced the temporary halting of the
concert. There are many stun grenades and tear gas thrown against
demonstrators' heads.
22.55 GMT+2 In Athens large-scale clashes still go on. People are
committed to struggle despite the extremely brutal suppression.
22.35 GMT+2 Cops' attack against people who are situated in Amalias Street
in front of the parliament; at least one detention. The live concert was
interrupted. People ostracize stones against police squads.
22.20 GMT+2 Syntagma: The live concert continues. For quite some time,
people have lit bonfires at different points in order to extinguish the
chemicals.
21.24 GMT+2 The clashes between people gathered at the square and police
have started, once again. Live stream from Syntagma also here.
21.10 GMT+2 Police tried to evacuate Syntagma square, to no avail. The
people are defending the square.
21.00 GMT+2 Street battles outside Hotel Grande Bretagne. Extensive use of
tear gas; shock grenades.
20.35 GMT+2 Motorcycle rally just arrived from Thessaloniki at Syntagma.
19.50 GMT+2 Syntagma: Police squads' attack in front of the parliament on
the pretext of plastic water bottles throwing. Gathered people regrouped
and counterattacked: Almost with bare hands they moved towards cops,
pushed them back and put aside the four rows of railings; so they retook
the point in front of the Unknown Soldier Monument. Continually people
swarm in Syntagma square.
19.02 GMT+2 Athens: A photojournalist and a lawyer faced threats and
insults by uniformed police officers when they ran to help two more
detainees at the junction of Panepistimiou and Omirou streets. According
to the official police bulletin, 5 arrests and 17 detentions were made. At
the moment, lots of people are gathering at Syntagma Square.
Self-organized demonstrators are cleaning the square of chemicals with
buckets of water. There are also motorcycle rallies and occupations in
town halls in many Greek cities. For tomorrow, there is a call by various
collectives and neighbourhood assemblies all around Athens for the
encirclement of the parliament. A ship has already departed from
Heraklion, Crete, to Piraeus with organized demonstrators coming to join
the general strike tomorrow morning in Syntagma.
19.00 GMT+2 Heraklion, Crete Island: 2-3,000 protesters participated in
the rally. There were two pre-gatherings: at the Labour Centre and
Eleftherias Square. By 11.15 the demo began from Eleftherias Square. Also,
nearly 800 people participated along union fat-cats of the Labour Centre.
Most blocks were dynamic; flyers [trikakia] were thrown while slogans were
written on walls. In addition, eggs and red paint were thrown against
PASOK ruling party's offices. The demo was under close observation by cops
situated in nearby alleys. Several protesters from Heraklion had already
traveled to Athens; a gathering was called out at 17.00 in Eleftherias
Square, in order for people to go to the port to participate in tomorrow's
mobilizations in Athens —the afternoon's assembly meant to decide whether
the protesters will travel free of charge or not.
17.50 GMT+2 People are heading again from the square towards Amalias Street.
17.45 GMT+2 According to eyewitnesses, one police squad's officer threw
away his helmet and shield, giving up his democratic duty of massive crowd
suppression. Other police squad's cops have beaten him fiercely, forcing
him not to leave. Cops fired tear gas while a Red Cross [Erithros Stavros]
ambulance transferred the injured protesters and persons suffering from
respiratory problems to hospital.
17.39 GMT+2 A generalized pogrom across the area of Syntagma Square.
Police squads chase after demonstrators, pushing them back towards
Propylaea. Unconfirmed reports of 3 arrests, 18 detentions.
17.25 GMT+2: A few people remain in Syntagma Square holding banners. A
fire truck arrived to extinguish a fire coming from the van of a mobile
phone company. Reports suggest the van caught fire as the result of a
shock grenade. Clashes continue; demonstrators fight back against the
cops' chemical warfare by building barricades. There is an unconfirmed
number of detainees; correspondences refer to 4 arrested and 21 detained,
while the police report 4 cops injured.
17.00 GMT+2 Demonstrators move away, so the tension shifts to the lower
side of the square. Othonos Street has re-opened and is gradually filled
with people. The area is under continuous attack from tear gas and shock
grenades.
16.50 GMT+2 Syntagma: A lot of tear gas inside the metro station, from
Amalias Street. The majority of anarchists are not present at the time,
but comrades remain near Syntagma. Police raid en mass the upper side of
the square; melees between demonstrators and cops. From Othonos Street a
minor militant group with football fans' distinctive features throws
stones against the numerous repression forces. Several organizers of the
Syntagma Assembly, possibly along with far-right '300 Greeks', are
offering Maalox in order to protect people from chemicals.
16.40 GMT+2 Ongoing clashes; tear gas thrown now in front of the Unknown
Soldier Monument. The majority of the people have split away from the
place. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 remain gathered.
Nevertheless, demonstrators do not leave the square.
16.05 GMT+2 According to reports, three people have been detained at
Syntagma – one of the detainees is a trade union member.
15.57 GMT+2 Protesters are taking back the area around Filellinon Street,
at the lower side of Syntagma square.
15.45 Athens: Police squads evacuated Amalias Street by a savage chemical
warfare operation; asphyxiant gases were poured inside the metro station
and thrown even against the Medical Centres' tend in Syntagma square.
15.36 GMT+2 Ioannina: Strikers occupied the premises of the municipal
radio station (98.7fm). A popular assembly that was held in the central
square immediately after the demonstration, decided to undertake this
occupation in order to propagate this evening's assembly, at 8 pm,
concerning the organization of tomorrow's activities and the march itself
which will begin at 10.30 am from the Labour Centre of Ioannina.
15.25 GMT+2 Stadiou, Filellinon, Othonos streets, parametrically: People
surrounded and trapped in Syntagma Square resist by throwing stones, using
also fire extinguishers against police squads. Meanwhile, other protesters
surround the cops that attack the square. Demonstrators that head from
Syntagma to Propylaea can hear shock granades every thirty 30 seconds.
15.02 GMT+2 Syntagma: The police are throwing broken marble against
protesters.
14.55 GMT+2 Syntagma: The main demonstration block has been in the square
for approximately an hour. A total of 32 police squads, guarding the
parliament, are firing tear-gas extensively and attempt to break up the
blocks. For the past 40 minutes there are constant clashes on the lower
part of Syntagma Square, by Karageorgi Servias Street. There are also
clashes on Stadiou Street. According to people at the square, police are
firing tear gas every few seconds.
14.52 GMT+2 Cops raided Syntagma Square.
14.40 GMT+2 Maroussi, Athens northern suburb: At least 200 DIAS police
force motorcycles crossed Kifissias Avenue at high speed, defiantly
pressing horns.
14.32 GMT+2 Syntagma: A Greek flag is burning at the moment. Clashes take
place in Fillelinon and Voukourestiou streets and in front of the Hotel
Grande Bretagne.
About 14.30 GMT+2 Thessaloniki: Minister of Health Loverdos was blocked
inside 'Papafeio' Institution by a big number of demonstrators. Reports
mention that the minister managed to escape.
14.20 GMT+2 Protesters smash McDonald's; bonfires are lit and barricades
are erected; shock grenades, tones of chemicals. A lot of people take part
in the clashes. Flares, stone throwing up to Stadiou Street. Many
demonstrator blocks remain in front of the parliament.
14.10 GMT+2 Stone throwing against the cops that fire tear gas and shock
grenades; first clashes at the lower side of Syntagma Square. People split
and moved towards Stadiou and Panepistimiou streets, but other
demonstrators remain at Syntagma.
14.05 GMT+2 Syntagma, Othonos and Amalias streets: The fascist scums were
previously blocked inside 10, Othonos Arcade by at least 1,000 protesters.
Police squads tear gazed the area up to Filellinon Street. People
retreated to Syntagma Square, but gradually re-gather in front of the
parliament.
14.02 GMT+2 Prisoners' mutiny in the A wing of Koridallos men's prisons;
they refuse to enter the prison cells.
13.40 GMT+2 Syntagma: About fifteen neo-Nazis chanted fascist slogans near
the Citizens Service Centre at the corner of Othonos and Amalias streets.
Anarchists have rushed to repel them.
13.14 GMT+2 Patras: The march of 2-3,000 people completed without
problems. Before its beginning, comrades expropriated the banner of the
Labour Centre which attempted to lead the demonstration. Then, all blocks
passed by the Labour Centre's block which eventually withdrew completely.
About 300 anarchists of 'Ergaleioforos' and 'Perasma' groups participated
in one common block. Leftish parties have completed the rally in Georgiou
Square where the 'indignados' normally gather, while several rank'n'file
unions along with the anarchists' block terminated in Olgas square. There
is an ongoing occupation of the Labour Centre of Patras by
anarchists/anti-authoritarians.
13.03 GMT+2 Athens: The block of the sold-out General Confederation of
Greek Workers (GSEE) is reaching Syntagma Square, with approximately 5,000
demonstrators.
12.34 GMT+2 In Xanthi, northern Greece, there were three different bodies
of demonstrators. In the morning members of PAME occupied the Tax Office
building. In general, the participation both from the Resistance
Initiative of and the Labour Centre was lower in comparison to previous
strikes. As result of their attempt to seclude the trade unionists, the
Resistance Initiative's block marched without politically independent
workers, only with several members of the anarchist block on its side.
12.20 GMT+2 Athens: Approximately 15,000 protesters of various base unions
along with the anarchist block begin to march from the National
Archaeological Museum (Patission Street) towards Syntagma. The body of
demonstrators head to Kolokotroni Street. People are gathering at Syntagma
while protesters from other Greek cities also arrive there.
12.17 GMT+2 Thessaloniki: Demonstrators of rank'n'files unions joined the
strikers' pre-gathering at the junction of Egnatia and Aghia Sophias
streets. The march of approximately 10,000 protesters is heading from the
Labour Centre of Thessaloniki to Aghios Demetrius Street.
12.14 GMT+2 Mytilini, Lesbos Island: The rally of nearly 600 demonstrators
is completed. An open popular assembly will follow.
12.05 GMT+2 According to the announcement of the General Federation of
Personnel of Electricity Sector (GENOP/DEI: PPC), today between 11.00 and
15.30 blackouts of almost one and a half hour will be rotating at various
areas in Attica.
11.00 GMT+2 At the port of Pireus, since early in the morning, dockworkers
as well as members of PAME (of the so-called 'Communist' Party of Greece)
seized the ships' launchers, blocking the sailing from the central port of
the country. In Athens approximately 25,000 people have gathered in front
of the parliament, mainly demonstrators of PAME.
01.01 GMT+2 Prisons across Greece: Excerpt of a prisoners' text about the
mid-term memorandum — '[...] Prisons are a mechanism which is based on
poverty and reproduces inequalities and injustice. Prisons are an unjust
and inhumane mechanism which demoralizes and enrages people. It is a class
and antisocial mechanism which should be abolished. We know that there is
no potential for basic living problems' substantial solution inside
prisons because, as we said before, life behind prison walls becomes even
more difficult due to the crisis. Hence, the main slogan of inmates in
Greek prisons today is "Immediate release of all prisoners." Today our own
struggle cannot but be common. Common among all prisoners, common among
all the oppressed of all nationalities who are in the streets and squares
of Greek cities. Let's start here and now a real confrontational struggle
that will prevent the mid-term memorandum's voting. And the only way to do
so is to factually threaten the political and economic system's function.
[...]' This text is co-signed by a total of 468 women and men inmates of
the prisons: Koridallos (also F male wing), Ioannina, Avlona, Nafplion and
Corfu. At least 789 women and men prisoners decided to remain outside the
prison cells during the midday closing in: Koridallos (also A, D, F male
wings), Diavata, Amfissa, D1 male wing of Grevena. A total of 1,508
inmates will protest via abstention from mess in: Grevena, B male wing of
Larissa, Ioannina, Avlona, Malandrino, Diavata and Cassandra in
Thessaloniki. On the day of the mid-term memorandum's voting, the
prisoners protest against the financial and political impasse in which the
Greek society is situated, against the country's occupation by the big
Capital, against the parliamentary junta. This mobilization is also held
in solidarity with those who fight in cities' streets and squares across
Greece.
About 00.00 GMT+2 Arta, western Greece: Dozens of workers and
solidaritarians blocked the entry of the poultry cooperative's factory of
the city. They had decided to blockade the factory throughout the entire
48hour general strike, but the blockade ended at about 4.30 am. Reports
mention that lately the employers practice factual terrorism against the
workers, intimating them not to participate in strikes. The unpaid workers
of the cooperative invite all people to participate in the strike.
Transportation information for the 48hour general strike
