- 112 people were arrested during Thessaloniki protests commemorating the 2008 police killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos.
- Riot police used flashbangs and tear gas against demonstrators, drawing widespread accusations of authoritarianism and state-sponsored repression.
- Critics argue the crackdown reflects a broader government strategy to silence dissent and deflect from systemic issues like the Tempi train disaster.
Context of the Protest
- On December 6, 2008, police officer Epaminodas Korkoneas shot and killed Grigoropoulos in Athens, sparking nationwide riots.
- The annual memorial has become a pivotal event for Greek leftists and anarchists to express ongoing mistrust in police and demands for accountability.
- Korkoneas was initially sentenced to life in prison, released in 2019, and is currently awaiting a retrial.
Escalation and Police Tactics
- Police employed methodical dispersal tactics, including using flashbangs and tear gas in crowded areas near Tsimiski Avenue.
- Many of the 112 detainees were young adults and teenagers who were forcibly dragged away by officers.
- Solidarity gatherings at the Thessaloniki Courthouse on December 7 were also met with police force, including the use of flash grenades and tear gas against supporters.
Broader Political Implications
- The crackdown is linked to the controversial arrest of anarchist figure Nikos Romanos, a witness to Grigoropoulos’ death, who is currently being held in connection with an explosion in Athens.
- Critics, including journalist Kostas Vaxevanis, suggest Romanos is being targeted specifically for his political ideology rather than evidence.
- Observers contend these state actions mirror tactics from the Greek junta era (1967–1974), serving to deflect public attention from government negligence and the ongoing fallout from the 2023 Tempi train disaster that killed 57 people.