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{{Short description|Rebellion in response to the police killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos}} | |||
{{POV-title|date=March 2009}} | |||
{{pp-move |
{{pp-move}} | ||
{{Use American English|date=March 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} | |||
|name = | |||
{{Infobox civil conflict | |||
|title = 2008 Greek riots | |||
| title = 2008 Greek rebellion | |||
|image = ] | |||
| image = GreekRiotMontage.jpg | |||
|caption = ''Clockwise, from top left:'' riot police face protesters; police move in to contain rioting civilians; a protester defies police; burned-out vans; an abandoned barricade; and protesters retreat from ] | |||
| caption = ''Clockwise, from top left:'' riot police face protesters; police move in to contain rioting civilians; a protester defies police; burned-out vans; an abandoned barricade; and protesters retreat from ] | |||
|headerstyle = background:#ccf; | |||
| place = Greece | |||
|labelstyle = background:#ff9d9d; | |||
| coordinates = | |||
|label1 = Duration | |||
| |
| date = 6 December 2008 — 17 January 2009 | ||
| status = | |||
|header2 = | |||
| |
| goals = | ||
* Better standards of living for youth | |||
|data2 = Cities around ] and ] | |||
* Reforms against police brutality | |||
* Removal of political pressure | |||
* Protesters exploitation of the unrest | |||
| concessions = | |||
| causes = | |||
* Murder of Alexis Grigoropoulos | |||
* ] | |||
* Allegations of corruption | |||
* Increased unemployment | |||
| result = Two special guards found guilty | |||
| methods = | |||
* ] | |||
* Violent protests | |||
* ]s | |||
* Rioting | |||
* Sit-ins | |||
* Student and youth protests | |||
* Arson | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''2008 Greek rebellion''' started on 6 December 2008, when Alexandros Grigoropoulos ({{langx|el|Αλέξανδρος Γρηγορόπουλος}}), a 15-year-old Greek student, was killed by a special officer<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100033_13/06/2009_108067|title=POLICE TRIAL Two indicted over teen shooting|publisher=Kathimerini|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-date=16 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616092240/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100033_13/06/2009_108067|url-status=live}}</ref> in ] district of central ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-07-greece-protests_N.htm | title=More riots in Greece over fatal police shooting of teen | work=USA today | access-date=9 December 2008 | date=7 December 2008 | archive-date=10 December 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210041536/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-07-greece-protests_N.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The killing of the young student by police resulted in large protests and ], which escalated to widespread ]ing, with numerous rioters damaging property and engaging ] with ], stones and other objects. Demonstrations and rioting soon spread to several other cities, including ], the country's second-largest city, and international cities in solidarity. Newspaper '']'' called the rioting "the worst Greece has seen since the ] in 1974".<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/greece|title=Athenian democracy in ruins | work=] |location=UK |date=8 December 2008 | first=Kat | last=Christofer| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210001102/http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/greece| archive-date= 10 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
The '''2008 Greek riots''' started on 6 December 2008, when Alexandros Grigoropoulos ({{lang-el|Αλέξανδρος Γρηγορόπουλος}}), a 15-year-old student, was ] by Epaminondas Korkoneas, a policeman. The shooting occurred after an altercation between a police patrol and a small group of youths in the ] district of central ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-07-greece-protests_N.htm | title=More riots in Greece over fatal police shooting of teen | publisher=] | accessdate=2008-12-09}}</ref> | |||
While the unrest was triggered by the shooting incident, commentators<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/1963913|title=From Ruptures to Eruption: A {{sic|Gene|aology|hide=y}} of the December 2008 Revolt in Greece|journal=Revolt and Crisis in Greece|access-date=11 April 2016|last1=Dalakoglou|first1=Dimitris|date=January 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174417/https://www.academia.edu/1963913|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/08/explainer.greece.riots/index.html | title=Explainer: Why is there unrest in Greece? | publisher=CNN | date=10 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217115647/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/08/explainer.greece.riots/index.html| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/3073023|title=The Crisis Before "The Crisis"|journal=Social Justice|access-date=11 April 2016|last1=Dalakoglou|first1=Dimitris|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904180644/https://www.academia.edu/3073023|url-status=live}}</ref> described the reactions as expressing deeper causes as well, especially a widespread feeling of frustration in the younger generation about specific economic problems of the country (partly as a result of the ]), a rising unemployment rate among the young generation and a perception of general inefficiency and corruption in Greek state institutions.<ref name="displaystory1">{{cite news | url=http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12756043&fsrc=rss | title=Behind the protests spreading across Greece | work=Economist| access-date=12 December 2008 | date=9 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215025132/http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12756043&fsrc=rss| archive-date= 15 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="international1">{{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/11/europe/greece.php | title=In Greece, a crisis decades in the making |work=International Herald Tribune | date=11 December 2008 | access-date=12 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212040015/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/11/europe/greece.php| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/1963940|title=Introduction in Revolt and Crisis in Greece|journal=Revolt and Crisis in Greece|access-date=11 April 2016|last1=Dalakoglou|first1=Dimitris|archive-date=13 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174357/https://www.academia.edu/1963940|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The death of Grigoropoulos resulted in large protests and ], which escalated to widespread ]ing, with hundreds of rioters damaging property and engaging ] with ], stones and other objects. Demonstrations and rioting soon spread to several other cities, including ], the country's second-largest city. Outside Greece, solidarity demonstrations, riots and, in some cases, clashes with local police also took place in a number of European cities including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] as well as ], the capital of ], and the western Cypriot city of ].<ref name=Phileleftheros>{{cite news |url=http://www.phileleftheros.com/main/main.asp?gid=334&id=594952 |title=Συμπλοκές νεαρών με αστυνομικούς σε Λευκωσία και Πάφο |publisher=] |date=2008-12-08 |accessdate=2008-12-08 |language=Greek}}</ref> Newspaper '']'' called the rioting "the worst Greece has seen since the ] in 1974".<ref name=Guardian>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/greece|title=Athenian democracy in ruins|publisher=Guardian|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
While the unrest was triggered by the shooting incident, commentators<ref>{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/08/explainer.greece.riots/index.html | title=Explainer: Why is there unrest in Greece? | publisher=CNN | date=2008-12-10 | accessdate=2008-12-22 | language=English}} </ref> described the reactions as expressing deeper causes as well, especially a widespread feeling of frustration in the younger generation about specific economic problems of the country (partly as a result of the ]), a rising ] rate among the young generation and a perception of general inefficiency and corruption in Greek state institutions.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12756043&fsrc=rss | title=Behind the protests spreading across Greece | publisher=] date=2008-12-09 | accessdate=2008-12-12 | language=English}}</ref><ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/11/europe/greece.php | title=In Greece, a crisis decades in the making | publisher=] | date=2008-12-11 | accessdate=2008-12-12 | language=English}} </ref> | |||
==The shooting incident== | ==The shooting incident== | ||
] | ] | ||
The fatal shooting that triggered the riots and protests took place in the evening of 6 December 2008, shortly after 9 |
The fatal shooting that triggered the riots and protests took place in the evening of 6 December 2008, shortly after 9 pm, in the ] district of central Athens. | ||
According to press reports,<ref name="Eleftherotypia">{{cite web|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=95475140,187780,36969988,45049732,50842884,59674948|title=Τον είδαμε να ρίχνει εν ψυχρώ|publisher=]|date=2008 |
According to press reports,<ref name="Eleftherotypia">{{cite web |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=95475140,187780,36969988,45049732,50842884,59674948 |script-title=el:Τον είδαμε να ρίχνει εν ψυχρώ |publisher=] |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=9 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208161923/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D110%2Cid%3D95475140%2C187780%2C36969988%2C45049732%2C50842884%2C59674948 |archive-date=8 December 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> two special guards (Ειδικοί Φρουροί) (a special category of the ] personnel, originally meant for guard duties on public property)<ref name="Special Guards">{{cite web|url=http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&perform=view&id=55&Itemid=46&lang=|script-title=el:Ειδικοί φρουροί|publisher=]|date=14 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721075213/http://www.astynomia.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&perform=view&id=55&Itemid=46&lang=|url-status=live}}</ref> had been engaged in a minor verbal clash with a small group of teenagers in a main street of Exarcheia, outside a shop. On driving away in their police car, they were then confronted by another small group at a nearby street crossing. The two guards were ordered by the ] center of operations to disengage immediately and withdraw from the confrontation site.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_100006_13/12/2008_295940|script-title=el:Οι ειδικοί φρουροί δεν υπάκουσαν στις εντολές|publisher=kathimerini|date=13 December 2008|access-date=17 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051128/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_100006_13/12/2008_295940|archive-date=10 June 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> However, the two guards did not comply and were later accused of insubordination.<ref name="Dialog between the 2 guards and operation centre">{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_100041_13/12/2008_295963|script-title=el:Οι διάλογοι των τεσσάρων λεπτών στον ασύρματο Πώς ξεκίνησαν όλα.|publisher=]|date=13 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=17 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217141814/http://www.ekathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_100041_13/12/2008_295963|url-status=dead}}</ref> Instead, the two special guards chose to station their police vehicle outside the ] headquarters, left the car and went to Tzavella Street on foot, in order to confront the youngsters. | ||
] | |||
Following some exchange of verbal abuse that, according to several witnesses, was initiated by the guards, one fired his gun.<ref name="eleftherotypia1">{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,dt=08.12.2008,id=36969988 |script-title=el:Το χρονικό της δολοφονίας και της οργής |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=17 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218230722/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D110%2Cdt%3D08.12.2008%2Cid%3D36969988 |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=17.12.2008,id=18045812 |script-title=el:Ευθέως αλήθεια από δύο μάρτυρες |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=17 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221010945/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D17.12.2008%2Cid%3D18045812 |archive-date=21 December 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The guards said that a group of youth had thrown stones and other items at them.<ref name="Police Report2">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/dec/07/greece|title=Greek youths riot after police shoot boy|work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=7 December 2008 | first=Lee | last=Glendinning| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210045344/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/07/greece| archive-date= 10 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Eyewitnesses who spoke to Greek media, however, reported that the special guards were not attacked by the youths, nor was their physical safety put in danger at any time. Instead, the special guards approached the group and verbally assaulted them in order to provoke them.<ref name="BystanderWittnesses">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPfwXMg06H0|title=Μαρτυρίες περαστικών για τη δολοφονία (VIDEO MEGA)|publisher=]|date=7 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081220000232/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPfwXMg06H0| archive-date= 20 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8470&pubid=2016772|script-title=el:Ο λόγος στους μάρτυρες|publisher=Ethnos|date=12 December 2008|access-date=15 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217234308/http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8470&pubid=2016772|archive-date=17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> The special guard said he fired three rounds, two warning shots in the air and a third aimed on the ground. Several eyewitnesses said they believed the policeman had directly targeted the youngsters.<ref name="BystanderWittnesses1">{{cite web |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=51288788 |title=Greek eye-witnesses describing the scene of the execution. |publisher=] |date=11 December 2008 |access-date=11 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211200918/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D110%2Cid%3D51288788 |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="BystanderWittnesses2">{{cite web|url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=4491974|script-title=el:Δεκάδες αυτόπτες διαψεύδουν τον ειδικό φρουρό.|publisher=]|date=13 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214140913/http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=4491974|archive-date=14 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="BystanderWittnesses3">{{cite news | url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/greece-calm-after-8-days-of-riots-by-angry-youths-1.351524 | title=Greece calm after 8 days of riots by angry youths | agency=] |date=14 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218221543/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GREECE_RIOTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-12-12-13-23-50 |archive-date = 18 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
The victim, Alexandros – Andreas Grigoropoulos ({{Langx|el|Αλέξανδρος – Ανδρέας Γρηγορόπουλος}}) was a 15-year-old student, who lived in the affluent northern Athens suburb of ] and attended the private ].<ref name="welt2008">Staff report (10 December 2008). '']'' {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214213400/http://www.welt.de/english-news/article2855514/Alex-Grigoropoulos.html |date=14 December 2008 }}</ref> Immediately following the shooting, he was transported to the nearby Evangelismos Hospital where he was pronounced dead.<ref name="eleftherotypia1"/> | |||
Following some exchange of verbal abuse that, according to several witnesses, was initiated by the guards,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,dt=08.12.2008,id=36969988|title=Το χρονικό της δολοφονίας και της οργής||publisher=Eleftherotypia|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-17|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=17.12.2008,id=18045812|title=Ευθέως αλήθεια από δύο μάρτυρες||publisher=Eleftherotypia|date=2008-12-17|accessdate=2008-12-17|language=Greek}}</ref> one of them, Epaminondas Korkoneas, fired his gun. The initial police's report on the incident claims that the special guard shot in response to a renewed attack by the youths that involved throwing stones and bottles.<ref name="Police Report">{{cite web|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_07/12/2008_259312|title=Η ανακοίνωση της ΕΛ.ΑΣ. για την θανατηφόρα συμπλοκή||publisher=]|date=2008-12-7|accessdate=2008-12-14|language=Greek}}</ref><ref name="Police Report2">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/07/greece|title=Greek youths riot after police shoot boy||publisher=]|date=2008-12-7|accessdate=2008-12-14|}}</ref> Eyewitnesses speaking to the Greek ], however, reported that the special guards were not attacked by the youths nor was their physical safety put in danger at any time. Instead, the special guards approached the group and verbally assaulted them in order to provoke them.<ref name="BystanderWittnesses">{{cite web|url=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LPfwXMg06H0&feature=related|title=Μαρτυρίες περαστικών για τη δολοφονία (VIDEO MEGA)||publisher=]|date=2008-12-7|accessdate=2008-12-14|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8470&pubid=2016772|title=Ο λόγος στους μάρτυρες||publisher=Ethnos|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref> The special guard said he fired three rounds, two warning shots in the air and a third aimed on the ground. Several eyewitnesses said they believed the policeman had targeted the youngsters directly.<ref name="BystanderWittnesses1">{{cite web|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=51288788|title=Greek eye-witnesses describing the scene of the execution.||publisher=]|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref><ref name="BystanderWittnesses2">{{cite web|url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=4491974|title=Δεκάδες αυτόπτες διαψεύδουν τον ειδικό φρουρό.||publisher=]|date=2008-12-13|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref><ref name="BystanderWittnesses3">{{cite news|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GREECE_RIOTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-12-12-13-23-50 | |||
|title=Greece calm after 8 days of riots by angry youths||publisher=]|date=2008-12-14|accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref> | |||
The victim, Alexandros - Andreas Grigoropoulos ({{lang-gr|Αλέξανδρος - Ανδρέας Γρηγορόπουλος}}) was a 15-year-old student, who lived in the affluent northern Athens suburb of ] and attended a private school (the ]).<ref name="welt2008">Staff report (December 10, 2008). '']''</ref> Immediately following the shooting, he was transported to the nearby Evangelismos Hospital where he was pronounced dead.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,dt=08.12.2008,id=36969988|title=Το χρονικό της δολοφονίας και της οργής||publisher=Eleftherotypia|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-17|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
==Investigation of the shooting== | ==Investigation of the shooting== | ||
] | |||
A criminal investigation was initiated against the police officer who fired the shot on a charge of ] ("intentional homicide" according to Greek law),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20081210-policeman-charged-homicide-riots-greece-shooting|title=Policeman charged with homicide, clashes continue|date=2008-12-10|work=]|accessdate=2008-12-11}}</ref> while his partner was charged as an accomplice. Both were suspended from duty and were kept in detention. The defense counsel that was initially hired resigned shortly after accepting the case, citing personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_09/12/2008_102874 |title=ekathimerini.com | Athens riots spin totally out of control |publisher=Ekathimerini.com |date= |accessdate=2008-12-11}}</ref> | |||
A criminal investigation was initiated against the police officer who fired the shot, on a charge of murder ("intentional homicide" according to Greek law),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20081210-policeman-charged-homicide-riots-greece-shooting|title=Policeman charged with homicide, clashes continue|date=10 December 2008|work=]|access-date=11 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212010129/http://www.france24.com/en/20081210-policeman-charged-homicide-riots-greece-shooting|archive-date=12 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> while his partner was charged as an accomplice. Both were suspended from duty and were kept in detention. The defense counsel who was initially hired resigned shortly after accepting the case, citing personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_09/12/2008_102874 |title=ekathimerini.com | Athens riots spin totally out of control |publisher=ekathimerini.com |access-date=11 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212100954/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_09/12/2008_102874| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
On 10 December, Alexis Kougias, counsel for the defendants, said that preliminary results of the ballistic tests apparently show that it was indeed a ] and that the two policemen will only appear before the public prosecutor after the forensic, toxicological, and ballistic examinations had been completed.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/world/europe/11greece.html?_r=1&hp|title=Strikes Cripple a Riot-Shaken Greece|work=The New York Times|access-date=10 December 2008|first=Rachel|last=Donadio|date=11 December 2008|archive-date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107073805/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/world/europe/11greece.html?_r=1&hp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="In.gr5">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966503&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Απολογούνται οι δύο ειδικοί φρουροί για τη δολοφονία Γρηγορόπουλου|publisher=]|date=10 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212012217/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966503&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}} | |||
</ref><ref name="Lawnet">{{cite news|url=http://www.lawnet.gr/news.asp?cat=1&article=17523&ref=RSS|script-title=el:Ο Α. Κούγιας συνήγορος των ειδικών φρουρών|publisher=lawnet.gr|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217120217/http://www.lawnet.gr/news.asp?cat=1&article=17523&ref=RSS| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}} | |||
</ref> However, the results of forensic tests indicated that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had entered the youth's body directly. This supported doubt on claims, by the 37-year-old policeman charged with the boy's murder, that the bullet had been fired as a warning and ricocheted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_12/12/2008_102967|title=ekathimerini.com | Ongoing strife dashes gov't hopes |publisher=ekathimerini.com |access-date=11 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215025051/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_12/12/2008_102967| archive-date= 15 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_2_17/12/2008_103102|title=ekathimerini.com | Protesters target riot police and state TV |publisher=ekathimerini.com |access-date=18 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221132405/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_2_17/12/2008_103102| archive-date= 21 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269|title=ekathimerini.com | Tests point to direct shot by policeman |publisher=ekathimerini.com |access-date=24 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081223215717/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269| archive-date= 23 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> On the morning of 11 December, ], former MP and economic minister under the previous ] government, agreed to serve as the counsel for Grigoropoulos' family.<ref name="Tsovolas">{{cite news|url=https://www.in.gr/2008/12/11/greece/o-dimitris-tsobolas-anelabe-tin-ekproswpisi-tis-oikogeneias-toy-al-grigoropoyloy/|script-title=el:Ο Δημήτρης Τσοβόλας ανέλαβε την εκπροσώπηση της οικογένειας του Αλ.Γρηγορόπουλου|publisher=]|date=11 December 2008|access-date=11 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904180232/https://www.in.gr/2008/12/11/greece/o-dimitris-tsobolas-anelabe-tin-ekproswpisi-tis-oikogeneias-toy-al-grigoropoyloy/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On the same day, counsel for the two policemen involved in the shooting released an explanatory statement, that described the deceased as demonstrating "deviant behaviour." According to the memorandum, Grigoropoulos was a teenager from a wealthy family, he frequented the Exarcheia district, had allegedly taken part in riotous activities that took place following the end of a basketball game two hours before he was shot, and that, in general, "the victim did not show the expected behaviour and personality of a 15-year-old adolescent."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=58944724 |script-title=el:Παρεξήγηση και εξοστρακισμό βλέπει ο δικηγόρος των ειδικών φρουρών, Αλέξης Κούγιας. |publisher=Eleytherotypia |date=10 December 2008 |access-date=10 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211055551/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D58944724 |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Grigoropoulos' family, friends, schoolmates and high school teachers immediately condemned those statements and declared in public that the allegations in the defendants' memorandum are "completely inaccurate" and "insulting"; the private school Grigoropoulos attended also issued a public statement that denies all the allegations.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=41&nid=966716 | script-title=el:Διαψεύδει η Σχολή Μωραΐτη την "αποκλίνουσα συμπεριφορά" του Αλέξη Γρηγορόπουλου. | publisher=To Vima | date=11 December 2008 | access-date=15 December 2008 | language=el | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217161717/http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=41&nid=966716 | archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Kougias' stance, as well as his comments in the explanatory memorandum, forced the ] ] to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.protothema.gr/content.php?id=19824| script-title=el:Πειθαρχική δίωξη στο Κούγια για τις δηλώσεις σχετικά με θάνατο του Αλέξη| publisher=Proto Thema | date=11 December 2008 | access-date=15 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081214040036/http://www.protothema.gr/content.php?id=19824 |archive-date = 14 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
On December 10, Alexis Kougias, counsel for the defendants, said that preliminary results of the ballistic tests apparently show that it was indeed a ] and that the two policemen will only appear before the Public Prosecutor after the forensic, toxicological, and ballistic examinations have been completed.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/world/europe/11greece.html?_r=1&hp|title=Strikes Cripple a Riot-Shaken Greece|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-12-10}}</ref><ref name=In.gr5>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966503&lngDtrID=244|title=Απολογούνται οι δύο ειδικοί φρουροί για τη δολοφονία Γρηγορόπουλου|publisher=]|date=2008-12-10|accessdate=2008-12-10|language=Greek}} | |||
</ref><ref name=Lawnet>{{cite news|url=http://www.lawnet.gr/news.asp?cat=1&article=17523&ref=RSS|title=Ο Α. Κούγιας συνήγορος των ειδικών φρουρών|publisher=lawnet.gr|date=2008-12-09|accessdate=2008-12-09|language=Greek}} | |||
</ref> However, the results of forensic tests indicate that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had entered the youth’s body directly. This casts doubt on claims by the 37-year-old policeman charged with the boy’s murder that the bullet had been fired as a warning and ricocheted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_12/12/2008_102967|title=ekathimerini.com | Ongoing strife dashes gov’t hopes |publisher=Ekathimerini.com |date= |accessdate=2008-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_2_17/12/2008_103102|title=ekathimerini.com | Protesters target riot police and state TV |publisher=Ekathimerini.com |date= |accessdate=2008-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269|title=ekathimerini.com | Tests point to direct shot by policeman |publisher=Ekathimerini.com |date= |accessdate=2008-12-24}}</ref> On the morning of 11 December, ], former MP and Economic Minister under previous government formed by ] agreed to serve as the counsel for Grigoropoulos' family.<ref name=Tsovolas>{{cite news|url=http://www.e-apogevmatini.gr/index.php?func=page&page_id=1942|title=Ο Δημήτρης Τσοβόλας ανέλαβε την εκπροσώπηση της οικογένειας του Αλ.Γρηγορόπουλου|publisher=]|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On 15 December, Kougias appealed for the two defendants to be released from custody, on the grounds that neither of them ever had any previous criminal convictions, that their names and addresses were known, that they had considerable ties with their community, and that the charges were based on the testimony of witnesses that the defendants objected to.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967843&lngDtrID=244| script-title=el:Την αποφυλάκιση των δύο ειδικών φρουρών ζήτησε ο συνήγορός τους| publisher=in.gr| date=15 December 2008 | access-date=15 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217060129/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967843&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=4492378&ct=1| script-title=el:Την αποφυλάκιση των δύο ειδικών φρουρών ζήτησε ο Κούγιας| publisher=Ta Nea| date=15 December 2008 | access-date=15 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081218201841/http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=4492378&ct=1 |archive-date = 18 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112 |script-title=el:Τώρα "πυροβολούν" και τους αυτόπτες μάρτυρες |publisher=] |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=15 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216211553/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112 |archive-date=16 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Specifically, the defendants' counsel took issue with the testimony of four eyewitnesses who had testified for the ], and appeared to refute almost all the claims made by the defendants and their counsel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=37580532 |script-title=el:Και τέταρτος κατέθεσε για "ευθεία βολή" χωρίς καμία πρόκληση |publisher=] |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=16 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217095416/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D37580532 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=246795&ct=32| script-title=el:Καταπέλτης οι τέσσερις αυτόπτες μάρτυρες| publisher=To Vima| date=16 December 2008| access-date=16 December 2008| language=el| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217050048/http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=246795&ct=32| archive-date=17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8400&pubid=2036740| title=Mακάβριο ψέμα από τον πιστολέρο| publisher=Ethnos| date=16 December 2008| access-date=16 December 2008| language=el| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217105200/http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8400&pubid=2036740| archive-date=17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
On the same day, counsel for the two police involved in the shooting released an explanatory statement that described the deceased as demonstrating "deviant behaviour". According to the memorandum, Grigoropoulos was a teenager from a wealthy family, he frequented the Exarcheia district, and he had allegedly taken part in riotous activities that took place following the end of a basketball game two hours before he was shot, and that, in general "the victim did not show the expected behaviour and personality of a 15-year old adolescent".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=58944724 | title=Παρεξήγηση και εξοστρακισμό βλέπει ο δικηγόρος των ειδικών φρουρών, Αλέξης Κούγιας. | publisher=Eleytherotypia | date=2008-12-10 | accessdate=2008-12-10|language=Greek}}</ref> Grigoropoulos' family, friends, schoolmates and high school teachers immediately condemned those statements and declared in public that the allegations in the defendants' memorandum are "completely inaccurate" and "insulting"; the private school Grigoropoulos attended also issued a public statement that denies all the allegations.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=41&nid=966716 | title=Διαψεύδει η Σχολή Μωραΐτη την «αποκλίνουσα συμπεριφορά» του Αλέξη Γρηγορόπουλου. | publisher=To Vima | date=2008-12-11 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref> Alexis Kougias's stance, as well as his comments in the explanatory memorandum have forced the ] ] to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.protothema.gr/content.php?id=19824| title=Πειθαρχική δίωξη στο Κούγια για τις δηλώσεις σχετικά με θάνατο του Αλέξη| publisher=Proto Thema | date=2008-12-11 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On 17 December, ], counsel for Grigoropoulos' family, publicly requested that the defendants and defendants' counsel stop provoking the ] and the victim's family by making degrading comments, unsubstantiated accusations, and smearing the memory of Alexandros.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=17.12.2008,id=25927924 |script-title=el:Οι κατηγορούμενοι να σταματήσουν την πρόκληση |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221011553/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D17.12.2008%2Cid%3D25927924 |archive-date=21 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> The ballistics report was also released on 17 December and stated that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had in fact ]ed.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_19/12/2008_296627 | script-title=el:Εξοστρακισμό δείχνει η βαλλιστική έρευνα | publisher=Kathimerini | date=19 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | language=el | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051139/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_19/12/2008_296627 | archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status = dead}}</ref> However, ] reports conducted on 21 December concluded that the bullet was not fired in the air, but rather towards the group of teenagers, though there may have been no intention to kill the boy.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&pubid=2074780 | script-title=el:Ευθεία βολή έδειξε η αυτοψία | publisher=To Vima | date=22 December 2008 | language=el | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901195502/http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424 | archive-date=1 September 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269 | title=Tests point to direct shot by policeman | publisher=Kathimerini | date=23 December 2008 | access-date= 9 March 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100315233314/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269| archive-date= 15 March 2010|url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
On December 15, Alexis Kougias, counsel for the defendants, appealed that the two defendants be released from custody, on grounds that neither of them ever had any previous criminal convictions, that their names and addresses are known, that they have considerable ties with their community, and that the charges are based on the testimony of witnesses that defendants' object to.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967843&lngDtrID=244| title=Την αποφυλάκιση των δύο ειδικών φρουρών ζήτησε ο συνήγορός τους| publisher=in.gr| date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_15/12/2008_260316| title=Την αποφυλάκισή τους θα ζητήσουν οι ειδικοί φρουροί| publisher=Kathimerini| date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=4492378&ct=1| title=Την αποφυλάκιση των δύο ειδικών φρουρών ζήτησε ο Κούγιας| publisher=Ta Nea| date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112| title=Τώρα «πυροβολούν» και τους αυτόπτες μάρτυρες| publisher=]| date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref> Specifically, the defendants' counsel took issue with the testimony of four eyewitnesses who had testified for the ], and appeared to refute almost all the claims made by the defendants and their counsel.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=37580532| title=Και τέταρτος κατέθεσε για «ευθεία βολή» χωρίς καμία πρόκληση| publisher=]| date=2008-12-16 | accessdate=2008-12-16|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=246795&ct=32| title=Καταπέλτης οι τέσσερις αυτόπτες μάρτυρες| publisher=To Vima| date=2008-12-16 | accessdate=2008-12-16|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8400&pubid=2036740| title=Mακάβριο ψέμα από τον πιστολέρο| publisher=Ethnos| date=2008-12-16 | accessdate=2008-12-16|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
==Court decision== | |||
On 17 December, ], counsel for Grigoropoulos' family, publicly requested that defendants and defendants' counsel stop provoking the ] and the victim's family, by making degrading comments, unsubstantiated accusations, and smearing the memory of Alexis.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=17.12.2008,id=25927924| title=«Οι κατηγορούμενοι να σταματήσουν την πρόκληση»| publisher=Eleftherotypia | date=2008-12-17 | accessdate=2008-12-18|language=Greek}}</ref> The ballistics report was also released on 17 December and stated that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had in fact ]ed.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_19/12/2008_296627 | title=Εξοστρακισμό δείχνει η βαλλιστική έρευνα| publisher=Kathimerini | date=2008-12-19 | accessdate=2008-12-22 | language=Greek}} </ref> However, ] reports conducted on 21 December concluded that the bullet was not fired in the air, but towards the group of teenagers, though there may have been no intention to kill the boy.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&pubid=2074780 | title=Ευθεία βολή έδειξε η αυτοψία | publisher=To Vima | date=2008-12-22 | language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_23/12/2008_103269 | title=Tests point to direct shot by policeman | publisher=Kathimerini | date=2008-12-23 }}</ref> | |||
On 11 October 2010, the ] of ] (consisting of 3 judges and 4 jurors) found the two special guards guilty. Epaminondas Korkoneas was found guilty of "homicide with direct intention to cause harm" and Vasilis Saraliotis was found guilty as an accomplice. Korkoneas was sentenced to lifetime and an additional 15 months of imprisonment (votes 4–3) while Saraliotis was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment (votes 6–1).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=4598592 | script-title=el:Ισόβια και 15 μήνες στον Κορκονέα 10 χρόνια στον Σαραλιώτη | publisher=Ta Nea | date=11 October 2010 | language=el | access-date=12 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012173519/http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=4598592 | archive-date=12 October 2010 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.abcnyheter.no/verden/101011/politimann-funnet-skyldig-i-drap-pa-15-aring | title=Politimann funnet skyldig i drap på 15-åring | publisher=ABC nyheter | date=11 October 2010 | language=no | access-date=14 January 2011 | archive-date=15 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015040630/http://www.abcnyheter.no/verden/101011/politimann-funnet-skyldig-i-drap-pa-15-aring | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11513309 | title=Officer given life for boy's murder in Greek riot case |work=BBC News | date=11 October 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110131221926/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11513309| archive-date= 31 January 2011|url-status = live}}</ref> In July 2019, the life sentence against Korkoneas was overturned on appeal and reduced to 13 years imprisonment, and Korkoneas was subsequently released from prison.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tanea.gr/2019/07/30/greece/law/apofylakistike-o-epameinondas-korkoneas/|title=Αποφυλακίστηκε ο Επαμεινώνδας Κορκονέας ('Epameinondas Korkoneas released from prison')|publisher=Ta Nea|date=30 July 2019|access-date=30 July 2019|language=el|archive-date=30 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730193353/https://www.tanea.gr/2019/07/30/greece/law/apofylakistike-o-epameinondas-korkoneas/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==The riots and political crisis== | ==The riots and political crisis== | ||
===First 2 days=== | ===First 2 days=== | ||
Within the hour following the shooting of Grigoropoulοs, angry demonstrators took to the streets in and around Exarcheia, and violent confrontations with the police erupted. Meanwhile, similar demonstrations were reported in other Greek cities as well, including ], ], ], ], ],<ref name="REPTV">{{cite news|url=http://tv.repubblica.it/copertina/grecia-battaglia-a-patrasso/27052?video|title=Grecia, battaglia a Patrasso|publisher=]|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008|language=it|archive-date=9 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209152047/http://tv.repubblica.it/copertina/grecia-battaglia-a-patrasso/27052?video|url-status=live}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref name="IN.GR">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=965558&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Χιονοστιβάδα διαμαρτυριών για το θάνατο του 16χρονου μαθητή|publisher=]|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209122318/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=965558&lngDtrID=244|archive-date=9 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> ],<ref name="ikypros1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ikypros.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=46634&-V=news&w=|script-title=el:Καζάνι που βράζει" η Αθήνα Οργή και οδύνη σε Ελλάδα, Κύπρο και Βερολίνο |publisher=iKypros|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081213152441/http://www.ikypros.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=46634&-V=news&w= |archive-date = 13 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> ], ], ] and ]. After midnight, the demonstrations in Athens turned into violent rioting in some central streets of the city. By dawn on Sunday, 24 police officers had been injured, one seriously (with facial burns and his little finger mutilated) and 31 shops (particularly across Ermou Street), 9 banks, and 25 cars had been either seriously damaged, burned, or destroyed within the downtown area.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7770522.stm|title=Greece braced for further protest|publisher=BBC |date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081208053100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7770522.stm| archive-date= 8 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
{{Expand|date=December 2008}} | |||
Within a few minutes following the shooting of Grigoropoulοs, angry demonstrators took to the streets in and around Exarcheia, and violent confrontations with the police erupted. Meanwhile, similar demonstrations were reported in other Greek cities as well, including ], ], ], ], ],<ref name=REPTV>{{cite news|url=http://tv.repubblica.it/copertina/grecia-battaglia-a-patrasso/27052?video|title=Grecia, battaglia a Patrasso|publisher=]|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08|language=Italian}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref name=IN.GR>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=965558&lngDtrID=244|title=Χιονοστιβάδα διαμαρτυριών για το θάνατο του 16χρονου μαθητή|publisher=]|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08|language=Greek}}</ref> ],<ref name=ikypros1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ikypros.com/cgibin/hweb?-A=46634&-V=news&w=|title=Καζάνι που βράζει" η Αθήνα Οργή και οδύνη σε Ελλάδα, Κύπρο και Βερολίνο |publisher=iKypros|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08|language=Greek}}</ref> ], ], ] and ]. After midnight, the demonstrations in Athens turned into violent rioting in some central streets of the city. By dawn on Sunday, 24 police officers had been injured, one seriously (with facial burns and his little finger mutilated) and 31 shops (particularly across Ermou Street), 9 banks, and 25 cars had been either seriously damaged, burned, or destroyed within the downtown area.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7770522.stm|title=Greece braced for further protest|publisher=BBC|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] and smoke from burning trash bins.]] | ] and smoke from burning trash bins.]] | ||
] (''translation: "cops, pigs, murderers"'') |
] (''translation: "cops, pigs, murderers"'')]] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
===First week=== | ===First week=== | ||
By Sunday 7 December |
By Sunday 7 December 2008 38 vehicles were damaged, 13 police officers were injured, and 22 rioters were arrested.<ref name="ekato1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ekato.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&lang='..'&perform=view&id=1669&Itemid=326&lang=|script-title=el:Δελτίο Τύπου ΓΑΔΑ για πραγματοποίηση προγραμματισμένης συγκέντρωσης και πορείας ατόμων με αφορμή το περιστατικό στα Εξάρχεια|publisher=]|date=7 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317030823/http://www.ekato.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&lang=%27..%27&perform=view&id=1669&Itemid=326&lang=|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Monday 8 December |
Monday 8 December 2008 saw police assess damage as daily schedules resumed and rioting subsided.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-shooting/police-in-riot-hit-greece-brace-for-more-unrest-idUSTRE4B601720081208 |title=Greece braces for third day of riots, counts cost| work=] |date=8 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210051317/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B601720081208| archive-date= 10 December 2008|url-status = live}}</ref> However, all was not quiet, as all over Greece, several thousands of high school students ] of their schools and marched on local police stations, throwing eggs, paint bombs, and water bottles. Protesters continued to occupy university campuses around the nation, while organizations such as the ] announced plans for protests later that day.<ref name=AFP2 /> The massive demonstrations of that evening were confronted by police using tear gas; during the demonstrations, some 11 public buildings around the central plaza of Athens, ], were set on fire. | ||
Students around Greece proceeded to occupy their school buildings, in protest, including in ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=e-tipos2>{{cite news|url=http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=64786|title=Συλλαλητήρια και ένταση στην περιφέρεια|publisher=]|date=2008 |
Students around Greece proceeded to occupy their school buildings, in protest, including in ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="e-tipos2">{{cite news|url=http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=64786|script-title=el:Συλλαλητήρια και ένταση στην περιφέρεια|publisher=]|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217073751/http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=64786 |archive-date = 17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> The ], the ], as well as the ] remained under student occupation.<ref name=ikypros1 /> Rioters also set fire to the Kostis Palamas building that led to the total destruction of the European Law Library situated at the corner of ] and Sina street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103312&95=vote1 |title=ΣΚΑΪ | Ολική καταστροφή |publisher=Skai.gr |access-date=11 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003355/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103312&95=vote1 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = dead}}, {{cite news|url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_2_10/12/2008_295381|script-title=el:Ζημιές στη Βιβλιοθήκη Δικαίου |work=Kathimerini |location=Athens |date=10 December 2008 |access-date=12 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003355/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103312&95=vote1 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> After the fire, the rector of the ], Christos Kittas, resigned,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103312&95=vote1|title=Complete Destruction|date=9 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003355/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103312&95=vote1 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> but some days later withdrew his resignation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hri.org/news/greek/eraen/2008/08-12-11_1.eraen.html#04|title=The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08–12–11|publisher=HRI|date=11 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217122731/http://www.hri.org/news/greek/eraen/2008/08-12-11_1.eraen.html| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
A police report released Tuesday, 9 December |
A police report released Tuesday, 9 December 2008 in the morning put the numbers of injured police officers at 12, arrested rioters at 87, and persons who had been brought before a public prosecutor at 176.<ref name="ekato2">{{cite news|url=http://www.ekato.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&lang='..'&perform=view&id=1669&Itemid=326&lang=|script-title=el:Δελτίο Τύπου της ΓΑΔΑ σχετικά με γεγονότα που έλαβαν χώρα χθες στην Αθήνα.|publisher=]|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317030823/http://www.ekato.gr/index.php?option=ozo_content&lang=%27..%27&perform=view&id=1669&Itemid=326&lang=|url-status=live}}</ref> Some citizens began to act against the rioters, attacking people that were found looting and were seen throwing stones to protect their belongings.<ref name="In.gr2">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966383&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Επιχείρησαν να λιντσάρουν πλιατσικολόγο|publisher=]|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212012137/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966383&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> In the city of Patras, according to the city's mayor, members of far-left organizations took part in the violence.<ref name="tovima">{{cite news|url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artId=245909|script-title=el:Διαδηλώσεις, επεισόδια, ένταση σε πολλές πόλεις|publisher=]|date=9 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212034023/http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=245909|archive-date=12 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> In Athens, seven police officers were injured, four rioters were arrested for violence against the police, 12 were arrested for theft and 55 were arrested for rioting with another 25 people of non-Greek nationality arrested for the same reason.<ref name=ekato2/> | ||
In a report on Tuesday, ] accused the Greek Police of brutality in handling the riots. |
In a report on Tuesday, ] accused the Greek Police of brutality in handling the riots.<ref name="Amnesty1">{{cite news|url=https://www.amnesty.org.gr/news/2008-12-09-1.htm |script-title=el:Ελλάδα: Χρεοκοπία του συστήματος λογοδοσίας της αστυνομίας |publisher=] |date=9 December 2008 |access-date=10 December 2008 |language=el |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217020053/http://www.amnesty.org.gr/news/2008-12-09-1.htm |archive-date=17 December 2008 }}</ref> The Greek department of Amnesty International canceled the scheduled celebrations on 10 December for the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the ] in response to the police violence in Greece.<ref name=Amnesty1/> | ||
The crisis deepened on Wednesday 10 December |
The crisis deepened on Wednesday 10 December 2008 when the ] (ΓΣΕΕ) and the ] (ΑΔΕΔΥ), representing 2.5 million workers or roughly half of the total Greek workforce, called a one-day ] in protest against the government's economic policies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Strike adds to unrest in Greece|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7774634.stm|publisher=BBC|date=10 December 2008|access-date=20 October 2010|archive-date=13 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213224055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7774634.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Rioting continued in Athens as thousands of workers gathered for anti-government protests at ].<ref name="BBC1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7774634.stm|title=Greek capital hit by major strike |publisher=BBC |date=10 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210205125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7774634.stm| archive-date=10 December 2008|url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Thursday, 11 December |
On Thursday, 11 December 2008 4,000 students marched against the police, with many protesters throwing firebombs at the officers.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-unrest/greek-violence-flares-for-sixth-day-idUSTRE4B91LB20081211|title=Greek violence flares for sixth day |work=] |date=11 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214043440/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B91LB20081211| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Friday, 12 December |
On Friday, 12 December 2008 students attacked police outside the parliament building. Riot police fired tear gas in response. Heavy rain helped curtail demonstrations compared to previous days. The protests inspired small protests in some European cities, sowing fears of copycat riots elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3871478,00.html |title=Violence Flares Once More as Greek Rioters Mark Week of Unrest |publisher=DPA news agency |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=12 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217164212/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C3871478%2C00.html |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> On the same day, Greek police issued an appeal for more ] after supplies ran low, since more than 4,600 capsules of it were released against the protestors by that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3725047/Greece-runs-out-of-tear-gas-during-violent-protests.html|title=Greece 'runs out of tear gas' during violent protests|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=12 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008|first=Nick|last=Squires| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081213150450/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3725047/Greece-runs-out-of-tear-gas-during-violent-protests.html| archive-date= 13 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Saturday, 13 December |
On Saturday, 13 December 2008 large groups of demonstrators gathered in front of the ] in central Athens.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B91LB20081213 | title=Peaceful rallies honor Greek boy killed by police |work=Reuters | date=13 December 2008 | access-date=13 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217235734/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B91LB20081213| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7782039.stm| title=Greece vigils amid new violence|publisher=BBC | date=13 December 2008 | access-date=13 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214053315/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7782039.stm| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Despite the fact that the protest in front of the ] was relatively peaceful, the riot police attempted to dissolve it at 1:30 (local time) by using ] and violence.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967477| script-title=el:Διαμαρτυριών συνέχεια μία εβδομάδα μετά το φόνο του Αλέξη| publisher=In.gr| date=13 December 2008| access-date=14 December 2008| language=el| archive-date=2 February 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202122935/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967477| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,596325,00.html |title=Friedlicher Sitzstreik und Angriff auf Polizeiwache |work=Der Spiegel |date=14 December 2008 |access-date=14 December 2008 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214185052/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0%2C1518%2C596325%2C00.html |archive-date=14 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=15.12.2008,id=80390692 |script-title=el:Οι στρατιές της νύχτας... |publisher=] |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=16 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217160232/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D15.12.2008%2Cid%3D80390692 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> On the same day, about 100 protesters firebombed a police station near the Exarcheia district where {{Interlanguage link|Alexandros Grigoropoulos|tr|Aleksandros Grigoropulos|pt|Aléxandros Grigorópulos}} was killed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hBHnY-nSPn7IrPqG4oBu4hDWTyEQ| title=Greek violence reignites after vigils over boy's death|agency=AFP | date=13 December 2008 | access-date=13 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218211218/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hBHnY-nSPn7IrPqG4oBu4hDWTyEQ| archive-date= 18 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3873802,00.html |title=Violence Continues in Greece After Vigil Over Boy's Death |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=14 December 2008 |access-date=14 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217123503/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C3873802%2C00.html |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Sunday, 14 December |
On Sunday, 14 December 2008 students joined residents of the ] district to demand the renaming of that street in honour of the dead teenager. Also, at least four radio stations based in ] were occupied by protesters. In Thessaloniki, students demonstrated in solidarity with all the people who were arrested as a result of rioting over the past week.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967669| script-title=el:Συνεχίστηκαν την Κυριακή οι εκδηλώσεις διαμαρτυρίας για τη δολοφονία του Αλέξη| publisher=In.gr | date=14 December 2008 | access-date=14 December 2008 | language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218034558/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967669| archive-date= 18 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
===Second week=== | ===Second week=== | ||
On Monday, 15 December |
On Monday, 15 December 2008 students gathered outside the ] in central ]. The ] chose to dissolve the protest through violence after some of the demonstrators threw eggs against one ] squad.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.express.gr/news/news-in-english/110811oz_20081216110811.php3| title=Student Protests Go On| publisher=express.gr| date=16 December 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217155949/http://www.express.gr/news/news-in-english/110811oz_20081216110811.php3| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/15/Students_battle_cops_at_Athens_police_HQ/UPI-97861229376388/| title=Students battle cops at Athens police HQ| publisher=United Press International| date=16 December 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081216013722/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/15/Students_battle_cops_at_Athens_police_HQ/UPI-97861229376388/| archive-date= 16 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Many of the demonstrators were of school-age. Several newspapers report that the protesters were provoked by policemen.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_16/12/2008_296192| script-title=el:Οι μαθητές επιμένουν στις κινητοποιήσεις τους| publisher=Kathimerini| date=16 December 2008| access-date=16 December 2008| language=el| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051222/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_16/12/2008_296192| archive-date=10 June 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=65315700,51142132,95348724 |script-title=el:Τα παιδιά λουλούδια, τα ΜΑΤ... ζαρντινιέρες |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=16 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217043152/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D65315700%2C51142132%2C95348724 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> In ], approximately 300 students rallied outside the local ] and taunted the police who fired tear gas to disperse them. According to teachers' unions, some 600 schools were under occupation, while 150 university facilities across the country had been taken over according to the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_16/12/2008_103063 | title=Police face youth ire for second week|work=Kathimerini| date=15 December 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217062444/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_16/12/2008_103063| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> In ], the local public radio station was occupied by students and far-leftist groups. Rallies and demonstrations have also taken place in ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_15/12/2008_260277 | ||
| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905082402/http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_15/12/2008_260277 | |||
| title=Προφυλακιστέοι τέσσερις νέοι για τα επεισόδια, Σε όλη την χώρα πραγματοποιούνται κινητοποιήσεις μαθητών|Kathimerini| date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-16 | language=Greek}} </ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=7925684 | |||
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| title=Ειρηνική συγκέντρωση στα Χανιά|Eleftherotypia| date=2008-12-16 | accessdate=2008-12-16 | language=Greek}} </ref> | |||
| archive-date=5 September 2012 | |||
| script-title=el:Προφυλακιστέοι τέσσερις νέοι για τα επεισόδια, Σε όλη την χώρα πραγματοποιούνται κινητοποιήσεις μαθητών|work=Kathimerini| date=15 December 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | language=el}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | |||
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|script-title=el:Ειρηνική συγκέντρωση στα Χανιά | |||
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|date=16 December 2008 | |||
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|archive-date=17 December 2008 | |||
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}}</ref> | |||
On Tuesday, 16 December |
On Tuesday, 16 December 2008 rallies and protests took place outside many ]s in ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=94834484 |script-title=el:Επιμένουν μαχητικά μαθητές-φοιτητές |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=17 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218123656/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D94834484 |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Early in the afternoon, masked youths emerged from the university complex in ] and ]ed nearby ]' ] headquarters. Six police officers were injured and ten vehicles were burnt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=62776692 |script-title=el:Μολότοφ και τραυματισμοί στην Καισαριανή |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=17 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218140003/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D62776692 |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD950IC2G0| title=Protesters attack police posts in Athens| agency=Associated Press | date=17 December 2008 | access-date=17 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214064051/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD950IC2G0| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, a group of around 30 protesters infiltrated the studios of public broadcaster ] and interrupted a news broadcast featuring Prime Minister ]. For about a minute, the protesters stood in front of the camera holding banners reading "Stop watching, get out into the streets." ERT Chairman Christos Panagopoulos tendered his resignation over the incident but it was rejected by the government. "It is unacceptable for unidentified individuals to deprive others of their right to information," he said.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100012_17/12/2008_103102| title=Protesters target riot police and state TV| publisher=Kathimerini | date=17 December 2008 | access-date=17 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081220031834/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100012_17/12/2008_103102| archive-date= 20 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/16/greece.protests/| title=Greek protesters storm television station| publisher=CNN| date=17 December 2008| access-date=17 December 2008| archive-date=4 February 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204020953/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/16/greece.protests/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7786072.stm |title=Greek protesters seize TV studio |work=BBC News |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-date=18 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218085150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7786072.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BF3F620081216 |title=Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest |work=Reuters |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-date=20 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220090158/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BF3F620081216 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On Wednesday, 17 December |
On Wednesday, 17 December 2008 a rally was held outside the capital's main courthouses, where youths threw eggs and fruit at the police.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=53859988 |script-title=el:Μετωπική διαρκείας |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218135942/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D53859988 |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=91452148 |script-title=el:Τα Χριστούγεννα αναβάλλονται, έχουμε εξέγερση |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219095503/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D91452148 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> There was also one demonstration organised by the ] (ΠΑΜΕ) in central ] from ] to the ], drawing around 5000 people.<ref name="kathimerini1">{{cite news| url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100088_18/12/2008_296476| script-title=el:Οι αντιδράσεις έφθασαν ώς την Ακρόπολη| publisher=Kathimerini| date=18 December 2008| access-date=18 December 2008| language=el| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051305/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100088_18/12/2008_296476| archive-date=10 June 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> Student protesters evaded security guards at the ] and unfurled two giant pink banners over a wall near the Parthenon to rally support for continued demonstrations. "Thursday 18/12 demonstrations in all Europe," one banner read, while the other simply bore the message, "Resistance," in Greek, English, Spanish and German.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=40830132 |script-title=el:Σύμβολο... αντίστασης |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219095326/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D40830132 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_18/12/2008_103137| title=On Acropolis, protesters continue fight| publisher=Kathimerini| date=18 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221132340/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_18/12/2008_103137| archive-date= 21 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> "We chose this monument to democracy, this global monument, to proclaim our resistance to state violence and demand rights in education and work," "(We did it) to send a message globally and to all Europe." said the protestors.<ref name="kathimerini1"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/world/europe/18greece.html?em| title=Greek Protesters Unfurl Banners at Acropolis|work=The New York Times| date=17 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | first=Anthee | last=Carassava| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110922041508/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/world/europe/18greece.html?em| archive-date=22 September 2011|url-status = live}}</ref> Government spokesman, Evangelos Antonaros, said this protest was "inexcusable" and accused the protesters of tarnishing Greece's image abroad.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3813466/Greek-protesters-unveil-banner-on-Acropolis.html| title=Greek protesters unveil banner on Acropolis|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK | date=17 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008| first=Nick| last=Squires| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218163957/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3813466/Greek-protesters-unveil-banner-on-Acropolis.html| archive-date= 18 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> In ], near the ] headquarters that were targeted by youths on Tuesday, a group of ] torched a police bus. The only person in the bus, the driver, managed to escape unhurt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=18622900 |script-title=el:Νέα επίθεση σε κλούβα των ΜΑΤ |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219095236/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D18622900 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> In another protest, about 40 people – including workers, immigrants and unemployed citizens – occupied the offices of the country's main labor union, the ] (ΓΣΕΕ). The union's president, Giannis Panagopoulos, said the protest was mistargeted: "The GSEE does not govern this country".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_18/12/2008_103137| title=On Acropolis, protesters continue fight| publisher=Kathimerini| date=17 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221132340/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_18/12/2008_103137| archive-date= 21 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=99342452 |script-title=el:Κατέλαβαν τη ΓΣΕΕ |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219095518/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D99342452 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> A protest was also held outside the ] offices and the ] which is also based in ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,id=32816948 |script-title=el:Καταλήψεις, πορείες, διαδηλώσεις |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219095306/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cid%3D32816948 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Late that night, a homemade explosive device planted outside a branch of ] in the ] district of ] damaged the building's facade when it detonated. A similar device smashed the windows of a local Citizens' Information and Service Center (ΚΕΠ).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_1_18/12/2008_103138| title=In Brief| publisher=Kathimerini| date=18 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221114410/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_1_18/12/2008_103138| archive-date= 21 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> In ], the ] was occupied, while in ], a local television station remained under occupation by protesters for about 1 hour.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=968486&lngDtrID=244| script-title=el:Πανό στην Ακρόπολη από φοιτητές και κατάληψη στη ΓΣΕΕ| publisher=in.gr| date=18 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081220034838/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=968486&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 20 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Thursday, 18 December |
On Thursday, 18 December 2008 demonstrations took place in central Athens,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.ert.gr/el/ellada/koinonia/16846-panekpaideytika-syllalitiria.htm| script-title=el:Πανεκπαιδευτικά συλλαλητήρια| publisher=ERT | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081220193352/http://news.ert.gr/el/ellada/koinonia/16846-panekpaideytika-syllalitiria.htm |archive-date = 20 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> more than 12,000 protesters crowded the streets near the ] in a peaceful demonstration in central Athens<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=19.12.2008,id=8231828 |script-title=el:Πανεκπαιδευτική πορεία σεισμός |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=22 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223103542/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D19.12.2008%2Cid%3D8231828 |archive-date=23 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> which turned violent when a group of protesters broke away from the rally and threw rocks and firebombs at police and buildings near Parliament, overturned a car and set fire to trash cans, splashed the police with red paint and tried to burn down the city's main Christmas tree which had just been replaced after being torched during the previous week's riots. The police responded with tear gas and flash grenades, and drove the rioters back toward the administrative headquarters of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the university's School of Law, Economics and Political Sciences. After another round of pitched battles between masked rioters and the police, several hundred protesters entered the School of Law, Economics and Political Sciences.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/18/europe/greece.php| title=Greek rioters go on holiday season spree in Athens|work=International Herald Tribune | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219124301/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/18/europe/greece.php| archive-date= 19 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Christmas shoppers fled the streets and retailers rolled down their shutters as protesters smashed store fronts and burned at least four cars. Demonstrations also took place in ] where protesters gathered outside the ]. Rallies and protests also took place in ], ], ] and ]. Some labour unions stopped work in solidarity with the demonstrators. The work stoppage by the air traffic controllers forced ] to cancel 28 flights and postpone 14. Hospitals were also operating with very limited staff.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/europe/19greece.html| title=Protesters Riot Again in Athens |work=The New York Times | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=18 December 2008 | first=Anthee | last=Carassava| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090409080143/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/europe/19greece.html| archive-date=9 April 2009|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/18/greece.protests/ | title=Fiery protests near Greek parliament | publisher=CNN | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-date=22 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522190119/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/18/greece.protests/ | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On Friday, 19 December |
On Friday, 19 December 2008 a protest took place outside the ],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=20.12.2008,id=9398820 |title=ΓΣΕΕ, ΑΔΕΔΥ στο Σύνταγμα |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=20 December 2008 |access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224013719/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D20.12.2008%2Cid%3D9398820 |archive-date=24 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> and a solidarity concert outside the administrative building of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=20.12.2008,id=1311908 |script-title=el:Τα τραγούδια του αγώνα |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=20 December 2008 |access-date=22 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224013647/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D20.12.2008%2Cid%3D1311908 |archive-date=24 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> More than 1500 people demonstrated peacefully in the western suburb of ], ] following another shooting of a 16-year-old on Wednesday, 17 December, night. The teenager was struck in the hand by a bullet fired by an unidentified assailant while sitting in a park, outside a local high school with friends. The police admitted that they had made a mistake in their initial statement that the boy was hit by an air-gun pellet. Tests revealed it was either a ] or ] bullet. Officers are investigating the incident, anxious to disprove rumors that an off-duty or undercover policeman fired the shot. A police spokesman said that no officers were in the area at the time of the shooting and an investigation was under way.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_20/12/2008_103204 | title=Fresh attack, protests keep Athens on edge| publisher=Kathimerini | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081223110004/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_20/12/2008_103204| archive-date= 23 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/19/greece.protests/?iref=mpstoryview | title=Greek protests after shooting of second teen | publisher=CNN | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-date=22 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522190201/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/12/19/greece.protests/?iref=mpstoryview | url-status=live }}</ref> Masked youths attacked the ] in Athens with firebombs, "Spark in Athens. Fire in Paris. Insurrection is coming," read one graffiti spray-painted onto the building's walls in French. Another, written in Greek, read "France, Greece, uprising everywhere". Later on Friday, about 50 protesters interrupted the official premiere of the Greek National Theater, holding up banners urging people to join the demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/world/europe/20briefs-YOUTHMAYHEMC_BRF.html?ref=world | title=Greece: Youth Mayhem Continues | work=The New York Times | date=18 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-date=11 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111021645/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/world/europe/20briefs-YOUTHMAYHEMC_BRF.html?ref=world | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On Saturday, 20 December |
On Saturday, 20 December 2008 about 150 youth attacked the Christmas tree at Syntagma Square in central Athens, at around 16.00, hanging trash bags from its branches before clashing with riot police. The square was cleared within two hours. At least three news photographers were injured by police batons.<ref name="continues1">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/dec/21/greece-protests-athens-violence| title=Violence continues in Greece as rioters firebomb buildings |work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=20 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | first=Anil | last=Dawar| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090121155356/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/21/greece-protests-athens-violence| archive-date= 21 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> The Christmas tree protest was organized among of a worldwide day of events to commemorate Grigoropoulos' shooting. The same day, masked men firebombed the offices of Tiresias SA, a debtor recordkeeper, destroying the office.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-virginian-rioters-attack-credit/149247460/ | title=Rioters attack credit firm and Christmas tree Saturday night | agency=Associated Press | date=21 December 2008 |last=Nellas |first=Demetris |newspaper=] | access-date=22 December 2008 }}</ref> Rioters, using the ] as a base, launched attacks against police, throwing rocks and petrol bombs and erecting roadblocks. In Thessaloniki a group of ] briefly occupied a radio station and a theater before disrupting and threw cakes and candy at Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and one of his deputies during an open-air charity event near the theater. Later, a group emerged from the same theater and attacked a Nativity scene, throwing away Christ's figure.<ref name="continues1"/> | ||
On Sunday, 21 December |
On Sunday, 21 December 2008 in the early hours of the morning, unidentified hood-wearing assailants threw petrol bombs at the police academy in the west ] district of ] six police vehicles were torched, without causing any casualties.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7152003&maindocimg=7151119&service=96 | title=Clashes with police continue | publisher=ANA | date=21 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716054932/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7152003&maindocimg=7151119&service=96 |archive-date = 16 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> The vehicles that were parked outside the building of the police accounting department at Patriarchou Constantinou street, also suffered damage in the attack.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.euronews.net/en/article/21/12/2008/riots-in-greece-head-into-third-week/ | title=Riots in Greece head into third week | publisher=Euronews | date=21 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081222113407/http://www.euronews.net/en/article/21/12/2008/riots-in-greece-head-into-third-week/| archive-date= 22 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> At around the same time, rioting and clashes with riot police continued in the area around the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Thessaloniki, with protesters again lobbing petrol bombs at police.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKTRE4BJ1PN20081221 | title=Hundreds of Greek protesters clash with police |work=Reuters | date=21 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221140017/http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKTRE4BJ1PN20081221| archive-date= 21 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> | ||
===Third week=== | ===Third week=== | ||
On Tuesday, 23 December |
On Tuesday, 23 December 2008 more than 3,000 chanting protesters marched through Athens. During the demonstration, one police car was damaged.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-23-greece-police_N.htm | title=Greek police bus attacked; 3,000 at rally | work=Usa Today | date=23 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-date=9 February 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209022038/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-23-greece-police_N.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=24.12.2008,id=54481068 |script-title=el:Αναποδογύρισαν περιπολικό |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=24 December 2008 |access-date=3 January 2009 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113173544/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D24.12.2008%2Cid%3D54481068 |archive-date=13 January 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref> At 05:50 local time, shots were fired at a riot police bus in Athens near the riot police headquarters in ]. None of the 19 officers on board were injured, authorities said, but the attack raised concern that violence against police could escalate. The shots were fired from the grounds of the ]'s facilities in ], known as ]. One bullet blew out two tires on the bus, while another struck the engine. The police found ] bullet casings at the scene of the shooting. After ballistic examinations, it was announced that there were at least two shooters who used ] type rifles and that the particular weapons used in the attack had not been used in any other attack, robbery, or other criminal incident in Greece.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100008_29/12/2008_103367 | title=Another clue in police shooting | publisher=Kathimerini | date=29 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090101023949/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100008_29/12/2008_103367| archive-date= 1 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4BM3HG20081223 | title=Students march, gunman shoots police bus in Greece | work=Reuters | date=23 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-date=20 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120175955/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4BM3HG20081223 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On Wednesday, 24 December 2008, hundreds of |
On Wednesday, 24 December 2008, hundreds of ] marched through Athens streets in a peaceful protest.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/world/europe/24briefs-MOREPROTESTS_BRF.html | title=Greece: More Protests, Mostly Peaceful |work=The New York Times | date=24 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121110153009/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/world/europe/24briefs-MOREPROTESTS_BRF.html| archive-date=10 November 2012|url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Thursday, 25 December 2008, in central Athens and the suburb of ] there was a string of arson attacks against banks and car dealerships, causing widespread damage but no injuries.<ref>{{cite news |
On Thursday, 25 December 2008, in central Athens and the suburb of ] there was a string of arson attacks against banks and car dealerships, causing widespread damage but no injuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/world/europe/27briefs-3ATTACKSINPR_BRF.html?ref=europe |title=Greece: 3 Attacks in Protests' Wake |work=The New York Times |date=26 December 2008 |access-date=3 January 2009 |agency=Agence France-Presse |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112227/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/world/europe/27briefs-3ATTACKSINPR_BRF.html?ref=europe |archive-date=28 September 2011 }}</ref> There was also an attack against the offices of the ] in the city center. Arsonists also targeted the car of Deputy ], Stavros Kaloyiannis, outside his home in the northwestern town of ], destroying the vehicle. The assailants doused the wheels of the parked car with flammable liquid before setting it alight, according to the fire service.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100016_27/12/2008_103339 | title=Arsonists torch politician's car in Christmas Day hit | publisher=Kathimerini | date=27 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202625/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100016_27/12/2008_103339| archive-date= 13 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
=== |
===Aftermath=== | ||
] | |||
By Wednesday 31 December, 2008 The occupation of Greek universities in ] and ] had ended and the administrative officials had begun assessing the cost of damage done during the occupation.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=31.12.2008,id=75253772 | title=Επιχείρηση «κάθαρση» στο Πολυτεχνείο | publisher=Eleftherotypia | date=2008-12-31 | accessdate=2009-01-03 | language=Greek}} </ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_0_30/12/2008_103404 | title=Universities assess riot damage | publisher=Kathimerini | date=2008-12-30 | accessdate=2009-01-03 | language=English}} </ref> | |||
By Wednesday 31 December 2008 the occupation of Greek universities in ] and ] had ended and the administrative officials had begun assessing the cost of damage done during the occupation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=31.12.2008,id=75253772 |script-title=el:Επιχείρηση "κάθαρση" στο Πολυτεχνείο |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=31 December 2008 |access-date=3 January 2009 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113175044/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D31.12.2008%2Cid%3D75253772 |archive-date=13 January 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_0_30/12/2008_103404 | title=Universities assess riot damage | publisher=Kathimerini | date=30 December 2008 | access-date=3 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202459/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_0_30/12/2008_103404| archive-date= 13 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
On Thursday, 1 January |
On Thursday, 1 January 2009 arsonists attacked 10 banks and two car dealerships around ] and ] amidst the New Year celebrations. No injuries or arrests were reported by the police. The attacks caused minor damage. At least five arson attacks were also reported by police in ]; earlier that day police also briefly clashed with protesters, and fired tear gas at rock throwing demonstrators.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/europe/EU-Greece-New-Year.php | title=Arsonists attack banks, cars in Greece |work=International Herald Tribune | date=1 January 2009 | access-date=3 January 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=02.01.2009,id=46779868 |script-title=el:Είπαν Χρόνια Πολλά και... εξεγερμένα |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=2 January 2009 |access-date=3 January 2009 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113174539/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D112%2Cdt%3D02.01.2009%2Cid%3D46779868 |archive-date=13 January 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref> | ||
In the early morning of Monday, 5 January |
In the early morning of Monday, 5 January 2009 at least two masked gunmen fired over 20 rounds at a riot police unit guarding the ] in central Athens, hitting a 21-year-old officer in the chest and groin. The officer had apparently spotted the gunmen and warned his colleagues shortly before he was hit. An automatic ] rifle and an ] were used in the attack, also a ] was used as a diversion as the perpetrators escaped.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL533955| title= Gunmen seriously wound policeman in Greece shooting |work=Reuters | date=5 January 2009 | access-date=5 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090110120328/https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL533955| archive-date= 10 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=68651 |script-title=el:Ιχνη τρομοκρατίας στην επίθεση |publisher=Eleftheros Typos |date=5 January 2009 |access-date=5 January 2009 |language=el |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213143911/http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=68651 |archive-date=13 February 2012 }}</ref> The wounded policeman, identified as Diamandis Matzounis, was in a critical, but stable, condition in hospital after six hours of surgery.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/05/greece-police-shooting| title= Gun attack injures Greek policeman|work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=5 January 2009 | access-date=5 January 2009 | first=Haroon | last=Siddique| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090121155454/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/05/greece-police-shooting| archive-date= 21 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> Authorities said they had cordoned off the region around the site of the attack to collect evidence for forensic examination. At least 72 people were detained during the initial search for suspects. Police said ballistics tests showed the ] matched one used in a 30 April 2007, attack on a police station in Athens suburb ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D95GVP2G0.html |title=Police: weapon previously used by extremist group |agency=Associated Press |date=5 January 2009 |access-date=22 January 2016 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122145820/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D95GVP2G0.html |archive-date=22 January 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> That attack caused no injuries but was claimed by the far-left ] group.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/world/europe/06greece.html?hp | title=Gunmen in Greece Attack Policemen | work=The New York Times | date=5 January 2009 | access-date=5 January 2009 | first=Anthee | last=Carassava | archive-date=16 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116064729/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/world/europe/06greece.html?hp | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7810972.stm | title=Gunmen shoot policeman in Athens |work=BBC News | date=5 January 2009 | access-date=5 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090105094838/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7810972.stm| archive-date= 5 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-spectrum-attack-on-police-rais/149247702/ | title=Attack on police raises terrorism fears |newspaper=The Daily Spectrum |last=Becatoros |first=Elena |agency=] | date=7 January 2009 }}</ref> Police also said ballistics tests showed that a second weapon used on Monday, a Kalashnikov rifle, was used in the more recent attack on police, on 23 December 2008. On Wednesday 14 January 2009 Revolutionary Struggle sent a statement to the weekly satirical newspaper, To Pontiki. The statement said the group carried out 23 December shooting attack and the separate 5 January shooting at the police officers.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_15/01/2009_103813 | title=Group claims attacks | publisher=Kathimerini | date=15 January 2008 | access-date=7 February 2009 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316045730/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_15/01/2009_103813 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/14/europe/14athensFW.php| title=Greek militant group takes responsibility for attacks on police |work=International Herald Tribune | date=14 January 2008 | access-date=7 February 2009 }}</ref> By Monday, 19 January 2009 Diamantis Matzounis The 21-year-old police officer seriously injured in the attack of 5 January 2009 was removed from intensive care following an improvement in his condition. Doctors said Diamantis Mantzounis had to undergo two operations to staunch a stomach hemorrhage caused by a bullet wound, but he has managed to recuperate.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100008_20/01/2009_103953 | title=Terror victim out of danger | publisher=Kathimerini | date=20 January 2009 | access-date=7 February 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090123023259/http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100008_20/01/2009_103953| archive-date= 23 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> | ||
On Friday, 9 January |
On Friday, 9 January 2009 a long-planned education protest march took place in Athens.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.ert.gr/en/greece/society/16947-student-rallies-continue.htm | title=Student Rallies Continue | publisher=ERT | date=20 December 2008 | access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081221213457/http://news.ert.gr/en/greece/society/16947-student-rallies-continue.htm |archive-date = 21 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=24.12.2008,id=2876268 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217152814/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=112,dt=24.12.2008,id=2876268 | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 February 2013 | script-title=el:Νέος χρόνος, νέος γύρος κινητοποιήσεων | publisher=Eleftherotypia | date=24 December 2008 | language=el | access-date=9 March 2010 | title=New time, new round of mobilizations }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=969401 | script-title=el:Νέος χρόνος, νέος γύρος κινητοποιήσεων | publisher=in.gr | date=19 December 2008 | language=el | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316060327/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=969401 | url-status=live }}</ref> The rally was organized to coincide with the anniversary of the 1991 murder of high school teacher ] by the secretary of the ] youth organization of the, back then, ruling ] party,<ref name="ekathimerini1">{{cite news | url= http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_10/01/2009_103663| title= Discontent resurfaces in Athens | publisher=kathimerini | date=10 January 2009 | access-date=10 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090208213856/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100002_10/01/2009_103663| archive-date= 8 February 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/460188271.html?dids=460188271:460188271&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+11%2C+1991&author=(REUTER-AP)&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=4+die+as+students+battle+Greek+police |title=4 die as students battle Greek police |agency=Reuters |date=11 January 1991 |work=Toronto Star |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513121719/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/460188271.html?dids=460188271%3A460188271&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Jan%2B11%2C%2B1991&author=%28REUTER-AP%29&pub=Toronto%2BStar&desc=4%2Bdie%2Bas%2Bstudents%2Bbattle%2BGreek%2Bpolice |archive-date=13 May 2012 }}</ref> participants said they protest against police repression, corrupt politicians, the education reform and a social system that offers little hope,<ref name="hostednews1">{{cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jdMW5f6HMm4S7LS0tWZ1JCl4K13w | title=Greek reporters slam 'police brutality' at Athens demo | agency=AFP | date=10 January 2009 | access-date=10 January 2009 | archive-date=24 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224170512/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jdMW5f6HMm4S7LS0tWZ1JCl4K13w | url-status=dead }}</ref> it was one of two held in the capital but it was the only one that turned violent. The trouble began after the rally by several thousand schoolchildren, teachers and students had almost reached its end, near the entrance to ] where it had started. When hooded youths broke away from the student march and threw stones and flares at riot police, who fired tear gas and flash grenades. The youths then turned on police, hurling rocks and flares.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7820980.stm| title= New clashes break out in Athens |publisher=BBC | date=9 January 2009 | access-date=10 January 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090218064457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7820980.stm| archive-date=18 February 2009|url-status = live}}</ref> At one point a group of protesters tried to force their way into the rector's office and to occupy the central offices of the ].<ref name="ekathimerini1"/> The occupation of the University's offices was obstructed by groups of students and academics. According to rector Christos Kittas, police officers did not ask for university immunity to be lifted so that they could gain access to the faculty.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=973478 | script-title=el:Περιφρούρηση των πανεπιστημίων υπό το φόβο νέων καταλήψεων | publisher=in.gr | date=9 January 2009 | access-date=10 January 2009 | language=el | archive-date=26 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326012813/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=973478 | url-status=live }}</ref> Clashes continued in the area which was closed to traffic and where hundreds of demonstrators remained for an hour. There were repeated police charges and several arrests were made. Some 60 persons were arrested with several demonstrators severely injured in clashes with police. Between those arrested were fourteen lawyers, who said that they had nothing to do with the protest, also several people sustained minor injuries and one was hospitalized.<ref name="lngentityid1">{{cite news| url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=973977&lngDtrID=244| script-title=el:Επεισόδια στο κέντρο της Αθήνας μετά το πανεκπαιδευτικό συλλαλητήριο| publisher=in.gr| date=9 January 2009| access-date=10 January 2009| language=el| archive-date=25 March 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325230052/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngentityid=973977&lngdtrid=244| url-status=live}}</ref> Afterwards the influential ] (ESIEA) protested to the ] about "the brutal attacks and beatings" to which reporters and camera crews had been subjected by some riot police units. "There may have been excesses to be condemned, we are looking into the issue, but the police did their job," Minister for the Interior and Public Order ] told Greek television.<ref name="hostednews1"/> Later that evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the capital's central police headquarters on Alexandras Avenue, leading to some tense scuffles with officers. But the crowd had dispersed by late night, according to police who did not report any additional problems.<ref name="lngentityid1"/> | ||
Protests were carried on Thursday, |
Protests were carried on Thursday, 15 January, policemen labor unionists also took part in the demonstrations "''to condemn the violent phenomena, from wherever they come, and to state categorically that social problems are not solved by repressive measures''".<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116093712/https://www.in.gr/news/article.asp/?lngEntityID=975492&lngDtrID=244 |date=16 November 2018 }}, news.in.gr</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_2_16/01/2009_103846 | title=Law enforcers stage anti-violence protest | publisher=Kathimerini | date=16 January 2009 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316044935/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_2_16/01/2009_103846 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="glezos">{{cite news | url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=250681&ct=32 | title=Ολοκληρώθηκαν τα συλλαλητήρια της εκπαιδευτικής κοινότητας και των αστυνομικών | publisher=To Vima | date=15 January 2009 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430011002/http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp/?pid=2 | archive-date=30 April 2012 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Veteran politician ] who took part in the protest, attributed police violence to the obedience of police forces to the executive power and not the judiciary.<ref name=glezos/> | ||
| publisher=Kathimerini | date=2009-01-16}} </ref><ref name=glezos>{{cite news | url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&artid=250681&ct=32 | title=Ολοκληρώθηκαν τα συλλαλητήρια | |||
της εκπαιδευτικής κοινότητας και των αστυνομικών | publisher=To Vima | date=2009-01-15}}</ref> Veteran ] who took part in the protest, attributed police violence to the obedience of police forces to the executive power and not the judiciary.<ref name=glezos/> | |||
On Friday, 16 January some of the lawyers arrested on Friday's demonstration in Athens, filed suits against police officers accusing them for breach of duty, attempted bodily harm and unnecessarily exposing of people to tear gas.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100018_17/01/2009_103881 | title=In Brief | publisher=Kathimerini | date=2009-01- |
On Friday, 16 January some of the lawyers arrested on Friday's demonstration in Athens, filed suits against police officers accusing them for breach of duty, attempted bodily harm and unnecessarily exposing of people to tear gas.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100018_17/01/2009_103881 | title=In Brief | publisher=Kathimerini | date=17 January 2009 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=26 May 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526081004/http://ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100018_17/01/2009_103881 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On |
On Saturday, 17 January a demonstration was held in Larissa, where more than three thousand people protested against the anti-terrorism act and requested the withdrawal of the charges and the release of four jailed students, who were arrested during the demonstrations of December 2008. Larissa was the only city where the act was applied last month when twenty five teenagers were arrested. At the same time protesters of a separate rally also in Larissa destroyed bank cameras and wrote slogans on walls, churches and supermarkets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.eleftheria.gr/viewarticle.asp?aid=5686&pid=5 | title=Πορεία – γροθιά στον "τρομονόμο" | publisher=Eleutheria Larissas | date=17 January 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721080541/http://www.eleftheria.gr/viewarticle.asp?aid=5686&pid=5 |archive-date = 21 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> | ||
The death of Alexandros and the subsequent events galvanized many in Athens including Protester bank robber and hunger-striker Nikos Romanos who was with Alexis on the night of the murder, reporting that he had died in his arms.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-12-06|title=Jailed Greek student Nikos Romanos's family fear son will be 'martyr'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/nikos-romanos-family-fear-martyr-greece-protests-hunger-strike|access-date=2021-03-14|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150004/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/nikos-romanos-family-fear-martyr-greece-protests-hunger-strike|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Background and causes === | === Background and causes === | ||
Grigoropoulos's killing happened during a period where the Greek society faced a variety of difficulties in the midst of a worldwide economic slump. In a survey conducted shortly after the events for the Greek newspaper '']'', 60% of the respondents considered them to be part of a wider "social uprising".<ref>Skai News, " {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003508/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103918 |date=17 July 2011 }}" – " {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227171026/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skai.gr%2Fmaster_story.php%3Fid%3D103918&sl=el&tl=en |date=27 February 2021 }}"(English machine translation). Retrieved 14 December 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=54350052 |script-title=el:Γκάλοπ: Κοινωνική εξέγερση, χαμένη η Ν.Δ. |publisher=Eleftherotypia |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=15 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217050702/http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c%3D110%2Cid%3D54350052 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> Many people were concerned with corruption scandals, most of which involved mishandling of public money, the spread of poverty, the increasing rate of unemployment amongst young graduates<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122900580105998147?mod=googlenews_wsj | title=Greek Riots Unnerve Investors |work=Wall Street Journal | date=12 December 2008 | access-date=13 December 2008 | first=Christopher | last=Emsden| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217164226/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122900580105998147.html?mod=googlenews_wsj| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> and the slowing economy during ].<ref name="international1"/> The local student community—which formed the main body of protesters—had also been in significant turmoil since 2006, being opposed to a series of proposed laws regarding the reform of the country's education system.<ref name="displaystory1"/> Many of the student demonstrations in relation to these laws in early 2007 turned violent and resulted in clashes with the police,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=782424 | title=Συνέχεια κινητοποιήσεων για φοιτητές-καθηγητές με κορύφωση το συλλαλητήριο της Πέμπτης | publisher=in.gr | date=26 February 2007 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316125447/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=782424 | url-status=live }}</ref> though the perpetrators of the incidents of violence and vandalism, then as in December 2008, should not be necessarily identified with the students.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=781567 | title=Σοβαρά επεισόδια στην Αθήνα κατά το πανεκπαιδευτικό συλλαλητήριο | publisher=in.gr | date=22 February 2007 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316130144/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=781567 | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
] (a measure of wealth equality) of Europe: Greece is comparable with France, Ireland, or Albania; less equitable than Germany, Bulgaria, or Ukraine; and more equitable than Italy, the UK, or Turkey.<ref name="ginicoeff"/>]] | |||
The shooting happened during a period where the Greek society faced a variety of difficulties in the midst of a worldwide economic slump. In a survey conducted shortly after the events for the Greek newspaper ], 60% of the respondents considered them to be part of a wider "social uprising".<ref>Skai News, "" – ""(English machine translation), Retrieved on ].</ref><ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text/c=110,id=54350052| title=Γκάλοπ: Κοινωνική εξέγερση, χαμένη η Ν.Δ.| publisher=Eleftherotypia | date=2008-12-15 | accessdate=2008-12-15 | language=Greek}} </ref> Many people were concerned with ] scandals, most of which involved mishandling of public money, the spread of poverty, the increasing rate of unemployment amongst young graduates<ref> {{cite news | url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122900580105998147.html?mod=googlenews_wsj | title=Greek Riots Unnerve Investors | publisher=] | date=2008-12-12 | accessdate=2008-12-13 | language=English}} </ref> and the slowing economy as the effects of the ] began to show.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/11/europe/greece.php | title=In Greece, a crisis decades in the making | publisher=] | date=2008-12-11 | accessdate=2008-12-12 | language=English}} </ref> The local student community—which formed the main body of protesters—had also been in significant turmoil since 2006, being opposed to a series of proposed laws regarding the reform of the country's education system<ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12756043&fsrc=rss | title=Behind the protests spreading across Greece | publisher=] date=2008-12-09 | accessdate=2008-12-12 | language=English}}</ref>. Many of the student demonstrations in relation to these laws in early 2007 turned violent and resulted in clashes with the police,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=782424 | title=Συνέχεια κινητοποιήσεων για φοιτητές-καθηγητές με κορύφωση το συλλαλητήριο της Πέμπτης | publisher=in.gr | date=2007-02-26}}</ref> though the perpetrators of the incidents of violence and vandalism, then as in December 2008, should not be necessarily identified with the students.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=781567 | title=Σοβαρά επεισόδια στην Αθήνα κατά το πανεκπαιδευτικό συλλαλητήριο | publisher=in.gr | date=2007-02-22}}</ref> | |||
As in many other countries, young |
As in many other countries, young Greeks are faced with expensive studies.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=786651 | title=Περίπου 4,4 δισ. ευρώ ετησίως κοστίζει η "δωρεάν Παιδεία" στα ελληνικά νοικοκυριά | publisher=in.gr | date=13 March 2007 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=16 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316130152/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=786651 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_17/06/2001_5006079 | title=Από φροντιστήρια... ιδιωτικά σχολεία | publisher=Kathimerini | date=17 June 2001 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051203/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_1_17/06/2001_5006079 | archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_columns_1_02/11/2007_247351 | title=Η παιδεία στον λαό | publisher=Kathimerini | date=2 November 2007 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051246/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_columns_1_02/11/2007_247351 | archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.enet.gr/online/online_text?c=112&id=2747296 | title=Πληρώσαμε 230 εκατ. ευρώ για μια θέση σε ΑΕΙ – ΤΕΙ | publisher=Eleutherotypia | date=2 September 2006 | access-date=9 March 2010 | archive-date=2010-03-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316105235/http://archive.enet.gr/online/online_text?c=112&id=2747296 | url-status=dead <!-- also https://archive.today/20130217154339/http://archive.enet.gr/online/online_text?c=112&id=2747296 --> }}</ref> | ||
] Managing Director, ] warned that there was a risk of social unrest spreading unless the financial sector shared wealth more evenly.<ref> Reuters. Retrieved: 15 December 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217235250/http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2008/12/15/protest_staged_outside_greek_court_rallies_planned/ |date=17 December 2008 }}</ref> Greece had recently proposed to go through with €28 bn of cash injections to its banking system while at the same time leaving medicine suppliers unpaid. | |||
] rate in the EU-27 member states in March, 2008: Greece is comparable with France, Germany, or Portugal; has a lower unemployment than Spain or Slovakia; and has more unemployment than Italy, Bulgaria, or Cyprus.<ref name="unem"/>]] | |||
<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217163141/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_1_07/11/2008_101941 |date=17 December 2008 }} Ekathimerini, English Edition. Retrieved: 15 December 2008</ref> | |||
]'s ] scores in Europe: Greece is comparable with Italy, Poland, or Turkey; more corrupt than France, the UK, or Cyprus; and less corrupt than Albania, Bulgaria, or Romania.<ref name="corrupt"/>]] | |||
] Managing Director, ] warned that there was a risk of social unrest spreading unless the financial sector shared wealth more evenly. <ref> Reuters, Retrieved on:15-12-08</ref> Greece had recently proposed to go through with €28 bn of cash injections to its banking system while at the same time leaving medicine suppliers unpaid. | |||
<ref> Ekathimerini, English Edition, Retrieved on:15-12-08</ref> | |||
Greece also suffers from one of the highest levels of public debt in the EU, with foreign debt valued at 93.9% of projected 2008 GDP and 16% of revenue in 2009 projected to go towards servicing this debt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-12-16-greek-riots-deepen-public-debt-strain |title=Greek riots deepen public debt strain – Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source |publisher=Mg.co.za |date=16 December 2008 |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217174023/http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-12-16-greek-riots-deepen-public-debt-strain |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Regarding the possibility that economic inequality has been a factor, Greece has a ] of income inequality of 34.3 (where a lower number represents a more ] society in terms of ]), comparable with that of France and Ireland; less equitable than Germany, Bulgaria, or Ukraine; and more equitable than Italy, the UK, or Turkey.<ref name="ginicoeff">A value of 0 represents absolute equality, and a value of 100 absolute inequality. , ] 2007/08, ], accessed on ] ]. Note: Because the underlying household surveys differ in method and in the type of data collected, the distribution data are not strictly comparable across countries.</ref> | |||
===First commemoration of the shooting incident=== | |||
Additionally Greece scores a 4.6 on ]'s ] which is used to gauge corruption in a state. This makes Greece comparable with Italy, Poland, or Turkey; more corrupt than France, the UK, or Cyprus; and less corrupt than Albania, Bulgaria, or Romania.<ref name="corrupt"></ref> | |||
On Saturday, 5 December 2009 a large crowd gathered at the place where Grigoropoulos was shot, ahead of Sunday's scheduled demonstration, with no reported clashes.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214155240/http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.gallery&id=336&m=47436 |date=14 December 2009 }}. Enet.gr. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> However, Police had detained 160 people following minor clashes in central Athens.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224170545/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iThaNZm7yjy-c5Z0BEZ3b3xYrXJA |date=24 February 2013 }}. Google.com (5 December 2009). Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> Police, also, made a preemptive raid on an Protesters hangout in ] near Piraeus on Saturday night detaining 22 people, including Albanian, Italian and Spanish citizens. They discovered some 200 empty bottles they believe were going to be used to make Molotov cocktails, two jerry cans of fuel, two hammers, three sledgehammers, three helmets, 13 gas masks and a stun grenade. They also seized a computer. Two of the people arrested were the son and daughter of ] MP and deputy parliamentary speaker Grigoris Niotis. "I have total faith in Greek justice, just as I trust my children," said Niotis.<ref name="ekathimerini.com"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213010236/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100004_07/12/2009_113095 |date=13 December 2009 }}. Ekathimerini.com. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> | |||
Greece also suffers from one of the highest levels of public debt in the EU, with foreign debt valued at 93.9% of projected 2008 GDP and 16% of revenue in 2009 projected to go towards servicing this debt.<ref>http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-12-16-greek-riots-deepen-public-debt-strain</ref> | |||
On Sunday, 6 December 2009 at 11:30 pm a memorial gathering, at the cemetery where 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos is buried, took place in the presence of his family and was attended by hundreds of people including the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224170553/http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5gtjOrI9CEtFVhTaJtkNj6cGJlKYw |date=24 February 2013 }}. Google.com. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> Later that day, several thousand demonstrators marched in central Athens and other cities across Greece and Europe to commemorate the death of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos at about. However the protest in Athens was followed by scenes reminiscent of those that followed Grigoropoulos's death, as several hundred protesters remained holed up in the grounds of the ] and the city's Law School and used the two institutions as their bases, they clashed from roughly 6 pm and for about three hours with thousands of police who had been deployed in the city center to ensure that the anniversary of the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos passed as peacefully as possible. Authorities said 134 people were detained for public order offenses in Athens and 80 in the northern city of Thessaloniki, where a similar demonstration also ended in violence, with youths throwing petrol bombs at police and setting fire to cars.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306163704/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/dec/06/riots-athens-anniversary-death |date=6 March 2016 }}. Guardian. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> At least five protesters<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Becatoros |first1=Elena |title=Violence erupts on Greek riot anniversary |work=] |agency=] |date=2009-12-06 |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/world/violence-erupts-on-greek-riot-anniversary-1.1639762 |language=en |access-date=2022-03-13 |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174435/https://www.newsday.com/news/world/violence-erupts-on-greek-riot-anniversary-1.1639762 |url-status=live }}</ref> and 16 police officers were injured during the clashes. Including one female demonstrator, who was severely injured by a policeman when he struck her with his motorbike.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308025724/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/dec/07/greece-riots-police-protests |date=8 March 2016 }}. Guardian. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> The rector of the University of Athens, ], was hospitalized after protesters stormed into his office. Kittas was struck on the head and was taken to the ], where doctors placed him in intensive care, saying that he had suffered a ].<ref name="ekathimerini.com"/> According to the witness of two contributors of the magazine, ], the director leaving the area had no blood on his head, and the story of his heart attack was fabricated as a "pretext for a full-on attack on the academic asylum".<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214195602/http://www.occupiedlondon.org/blog/2009/12/09/153-anti-repression-demonstration-in-athens-ends-cops-still-surrounding-the-propylea-buildings-attempts-to-close-down-the-law-school-radio-station/ |date=14 December 2009 }}. Occupiedlondon.org (9 December 2009). Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> | |||
==Reactions== | |||
===Domestic response=== | |||
] | |||
The ] condemned the shooting. ] ] wrote a letter to the student's family, stating that "In these difficult moments please accept my condolences for the unfair loss of your son. Like all Greeks I am deeply saddened. I know that nothing can relieve your pain." He continued on to write that "the state will see to it that such a tragedy does not happen again." On a nationally broadcast statement, he also vowed to end the "dangerous" extremist-inspired riots that have hit the country: <blockquote> | |||
"The unacceptable and dangerous events cannot and will not be tolerated, the extremist elements who exploited the tragedy...by showing that their only goal was to spread violence. The state will protect its citizens and society...It is the least of the tributes we owe Alexandros.<ref name="karamanlisquote">{{cite web|url=http://www.google.ca/url?sa=U&start=1&q=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-12/09/content_7285014.htm&ei=fUBQSeqQComIsAOv9ISZDQ&usg=AFQjCNH4TNlbYWSOTzG0uOByIw4DN188dQ|title=Third day of anti-police riots across Greece|date=December 9th, 2008|publisher=China Daily News|accessdate=2008-12-23}}</ref>" | |||
</blockquote> On 8 December he declared that he had ordered the finance ministry to offer "quick and full compensation" to Greek people whose buildings have been damaged in the riots.<ref name=AFP3>{{cite news|url=http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20081208\ACQDJON200812081014DOWJONESDJONLINE000321.htm&selected=9999&selecteddisplaysymbol=9999&StoryTargetFrame=_top&mkt=WORLD&chk=unchecked&lang=&link=&headlinereturnpage=http://www.international.na|title=UPDATE: Greek PM Caramanlis Says Government Will End Riots|publisher=]|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
The series of protests and riots continued months later with the ]. | |||
] ] sent condolences in a telegram,<ref name=AP>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD94UE3JO0|title=More protests planned in Greece in wake of riots|publisher=Associated Press|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> while ] ] expressed "deep sorrow". The police, who claimed that an investigation was underway into the "isolated" incident, also apologized.<ref name=AFP2>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h7u9SGXrj3uDbBeRH1XqraTfpa0w|title=Fragile calm returns to Greece following riots|publisher=]|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
==Reactions== | |||
Athens Mayor ] has expressed his condolences for the death of the 15-year-old boy, adding that festive events for Christmas in ] will be suspended until further notice. Moreover, he assured the owners of damaged shops that they will be aided in restoring their damages, adding that he will propose the Municipal Committee be acquitted of municipal duties for 2009.<ref name=ERT2>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/en/greece/society/16417-investigation-on-15yo-boys-death-continues.htm|title=Criminal Action against the two Policemen |publisher=]|date=2008-12-07|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
===Domestic response=== | |||
The ] (KKE) attributed the killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos to the result of escalating ], reinforcement of the ] mechanisms and their action, the network of reactionary laws and the "Euro-terror laws" created by the governments of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artId=245803|title=Καταδίκη με σκληρή γλώσσα από ΚΚΕ και ΣΥΡΙΖΑ|date=9 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102|title=Ιnterview with KKE leader Papariga|date=13 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=English}}</ref> The KKE has stated that the riots and the destruction is the work of foreign agents acting as provocateurs. The leader of the KKE, ], called for organized struggle against the main politics that it will be well guarded against suspicious command centers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102|title=Ιnterview with KKE leader Papariga|publisher=ana-mpa.gr|date=2008-12-14|accessdate=2008-12-15|language=English}}</ref> Meanwhile, the ] (SYRIZA) spoke of a cruel murder. The ] issued an announcement holding the police responsible for the incident<ref name=ERT2 /> and stated that people "must answer the government's policies en masse and peacefully,"<ref name=BBC /> while the Hellenic Federation of University Teachers' Associations (POSDEP) called a three-day strike, condemning the killing of the teenager.<ref name=ERT1>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/en/greece/society/16433-nea-syllalitiria-diamartyrias.htm|title=Students Take to the Streets|publisher=]|date=2008-12-08|accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
The ] condemned the shooting. Prime Minister ] wrote a letter to the student's family, stating that "In these difficult moments please accept my condolences for the unfair loss of your son. Like all Greeks I am deeply saddened. I know that nothing can relieve your pain." He continued on to write that "the state will see to it that such a tragedy does not happen again." On a nationally broadcast statement, he also vowed to end the "dangerous" extremist-inspired riots that have hit the country: | |||
From Moscow, where he attended ]'s funeral, ] called on everyone to face the crisis and the problems ahead with co-operation and not with destruction.<ref name=In.gr6>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966584|title=Μόνο με τη συνεργασία όλων μπορεί να αντιμετωπιστεί η κρίση, δηλώνει ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος|publisher=]|date=2008-12-10|accessed date=2008-12-10|language=Greek}}</ref> Also in an interview on 13 December, the ] added that the "youths are not enraged for no reason" and stated his belief that the effects of the ] coupled with the large unemployment rate are the causes of this violent outburst.<ref name=Naftemporiki.gr>{{cite news|title=Ιερώνυμος: «Τα παιδιά μας δεν είναι εξαγριωμένα χωρίς λόγο»|url=http://www.naftemporiki.gr/news/static/08/12/13/1605314.htm|publisher=Naftemporiki|date=2008-12-13|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref><ref name=Skai_gr>{{cite news|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103897|title="Τα παιδιά δεν εξαγριώθηκαν χωρίς λόγο"|publisher=Skai.gr|date=2008-12-13|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
<blockquote>The unacceptable and dangerous events cannot and will not be tolerated, the extremist elements who exploited the tragedy ... by showing that their only goal was to spread violence. The state will protect its citizens and society ... It is the least of the tributes we owe Alexandros.<ref name="karamanlisquote">{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-12/09/content_7285014.htm |title=Third day of anti-police riots across Greece |work=China Daily |date=9 December 2008 |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126051042/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-12/09/content_7285014.htm |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote> | |||
On 10 December, Prime Minister Karamanlis announced 7 governmental measures to aid the large number of Greek businesses that were damaged by the rioters, also aiding businesses that are undamaged. The Prime Minister stated that the commercial world of the country faced the destructive mania and the raw violence of extremist groups. "The government", he said, "will ensure the sentiment of public safety and support all damaged businesses.<ref name=measures>{{cite news|title=Μέτρα για την ενίσχυση των επιχειρήσεων που καταστράφηκαν ανακοίνωσε ο Κ.Καραμανλής|url= http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966563&lngDtrID=244|publisher=]|date=2008-12-10|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On 8 December he declared that he had ordered the finance ministry to offer "quick and full compensation" to Greek people whose buildings have been damaged in the riots.<ref name="AFP3">{{cite news|url=http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20081208\ACQDJON200812081014DOWJONESDJONLINE000321.htm&selected=9999&selecteddisplaysymbol=9999&StoryTargetFrame=_top&mkt=WORLD&chk=unchecked&lang=&link=&headlinereturnpage=http://www.international.na|title=UPDATE: Greek PM Caramanlis Says Government Will End Riots|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008|archive-date=17 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217152506/http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20081208%5CACQDJON200812081014DOWJONESDJONLINE000321.htm&selected=9999&selecteddisplaysymbol=9999&StoryTargetFrame=_top&mkt=WORLD&chk=unchecked&lang=&link=&headlinereturnpage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.international.na|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The General Federation of Professional Tradesmen and Traders of Greece saluted the measures and agreed with the direction that the measures were headed in.<ref name=traders>{{cite news|url=http://www.e-apogevmatini.gr/index.php?func=page&page_id=1943|publisher=apogevmatini|title= | |||
Στη σωστή κατεύθυνση τα μέτρα|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
] ] sent condolences in a telegram,<ref name="AP">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD94UE3JO0|title=More protests planned in Greece in wake of riots|agency=Associated Press|date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215052000/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD94UE3JO0| archive-date= 15 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> while ] ] expressed "deep sorrow". The police, who claimed that an investigation was underway into the "isolated" incident, also apologized.<ref name="AFP2">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h7u9SGXrj3uDbBeRH1XqraTfpa0w|title=Fragile calm returns to Greece following riots|agency=Agence France-Presse |date=8 December 2008|access-date=8 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218211217/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h7u9SGXrj3uDbBeRH1XqraTfpa0w| archive-date= 18 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
On 12 December, Vice-] ], as a political leader of the Greek Police, said that he felt that he had to ask for forgiveness for the shooting incident and the resulting death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, since neither the defendant nor the ] did so.<ref name=ethnos.gr>{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11378&subid=2&tag=9283&pubid=2012899|title=Επιτέλους μια συγγνώμη|publisher=Ethnos.gr|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
The ] (KKE) attributed the killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos to the result of escalating ], reinforcement of the ] mechanisms and their action, the network of reactionary laws and the "Euro-terror laws" created by the governments of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artId=245803|script-title=el:Καταδίκη με σκληρή γλώσσα από ΚΚΕ και ΣΥΡΙΖΑ|date=9 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212034012/http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=1&artid=245803|archive-date=12 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102|title=Ιnterview with KKE leader Papariga|date=13 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=13 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217073358/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102 |archive-date = 17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> The KKE has stated that the riots and the destruction is the work of foreign agents acting as provocateurs. The leader of the KKE, ], called for organized struggle against the main politics that it will be well guarded against suspicious command centers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102|title=Ιnterview with KKE leader Papariga|publisher=ana-mpa.gr|date=14 December 2008|access-date=15 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217073358/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7126121&maindocimg=7124323&service=102 |archive-date = 17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> The ] stated that people "must answer the government's policies en masse and peacefully".<ref name=BBC /> | |||
On 16 December, Prime Minister ] speaking to ]’s parliamentary group, condemned the killing of the 15-year-old by the policeman, while calling for all parties to isolate rioters. He also acknowledged that "Long-unresolved problems, such as the lack of meritocracy, corruption in everyday life and a sense of social injustice disappoint young people". Karamanlis said income-tax cuts will go ahead. But he warned against high expectations, saying ] will spend 12 billion euros, about 5 percent of ], just to service its ]. "Our top priority is to support those hurt the most ... (but) this debt is a huge burden that reduces the government's flexibility at this critical time".<ref>{{cite news|title=Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLG11802720081216|publisher=Reuters|date=2008-12-16|accessdate=2008-12-18|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PM in apologetic mood|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100003_17/12/2008_103104|publisher=Kathimerini|date=2008-12-17|accessdate=2008-12-18|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mea Culpa|url=http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=66113|publisher=Eleftheros Typos|date=2008-12-16|accessdate=2008-12-18|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
From Moscow, where he attended ]'s funeral, ] called on everyone to face the crisis and the problems ahead with co-operation and not with destruction.<ref name="In.gr6">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966584|script-title=el:Μόνο με τη συνεργασία όλων μπορεί να αντιμετωπιστεί η κρίση, δηλώνει ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος|publisher=]|date=10 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081213194909/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966584| archive-date= 13 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> Also in an interview on 13 December, the ] added that the "youths are not enraged for no reason" and stated his belief that the effects of the ] coupled with the large unemployment rate are the causes of this violent outburst.<ref name="Naftemporiki.gr">{{cite news|script-title=el:Ιερώνυμος: "Τα παιδιά μας δεν είναι εξαγριωμένα χωρίς λόγο"|url=http://www.naftemporiki.gr/news/static/08/12/13/1605314.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081216165105/http://www.naftemporiki.gr/news/static/08/12/13/1605314.htm|url-status = dead|archive-date=16 December 2008|publisher=Naftemporiki|date=13 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el}}</ref><ref name="Skai_gr">{{cite news|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103897|script-title=el:Τα παιδιά δεν εξαγριώθηκαν χωρίς λόγο|publisher=Skai.gr|date=13 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003438/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103897 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
<!-- Please help assort the information belonging to the international response and move the rest to a different section--> | |||
===International response and demonstrations abroad=== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Argentina}} '''Argentina:''' In Argentina 50 students show their protests. On 13 December a small group of students gathered outside the Greek embassy in ] to express their solidarity and to condemn the shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://chiapas.indymedia.org/article_160916|title=Solidaridad de la Federacion Universitaria de Buenos Aires ante la embajada griega|date=13 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Spanish}}</ref> | |||
On 10 December, Prime Minister Karamanlis announced 7 governmental measures to aid the large number of Greek businesses that were damaged by the rioters, also aiding businesses that are undamaged. The Prime Minister stated that the commercial world of the country faced the destructive mania and the raw violence of extremist groups. "The government", he said, "will ensure the sentiment of public safety and support all damaged businesses.<ref name="measures">{{cite news|script-title=el:Μέτρα για την ενίσχυση των επιχειρήσεων που καταστράφηκαν ανακοίνωσε ο Κ.Καραμανλής|url= http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966563&lngDtrID=244|publisher=]|date=10 December 2008|access-date=11 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212012237/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966563&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Australia}} '''Australia:''' ] warned tourists of possible violent demonstrations.<ref name=AP /> On 13 December a small group of protesters gathered outside the Greek consulate in ] to express their solidarity and to condemn the shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos. The building of the consulate was also defaced with graffiti earlier that week.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_13/12/2008_260165|title=Διαδηλώσεις σε όλο τον κόσμο για το θάνατο Γρηγορόπουλου.|date=13 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
The General Federation of Professional Tradesmen and Traders of Greece saluted the measures and agreed with the direction that the measures were headed in.<ref name="traders">{{cite news|url=https://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/184743/gsebee-sti-sosti-kateuthunsi-ta-metra|work=]|script-title=el:ΓΣΕΒΕΕ: Στη σωστή κατεύθυνση τα μέτρα|trans-title=GSEVEE: The measures are in the right direction|date=11 December 2008|language=el|access-date=13 March 2022|archive-date=13 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174436/https://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/184743/gsebee-sti-sosti-kateuthunsi-ta-metra|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Austria}} '''Austria:''' Approximately 1200 demonstrators protested outside the Greek embassy in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/el/kosmos/eidiseis/16663-antidraseis-kai-sto-eksoteriko.htm|title=Αντιδράσεις και στο εξωτερικό|date=12 December 2008|publisher=ERTonline|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On 12 December, Vice-] ], as a political leader of the Greek Police, said that he felt that he had to ask for forgiveness for the shooting incident and the resulting death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, since neither the defendant nor the ] did so.<ref name="ethnos.gr">{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11378&subid=2&tag=9283&pubid=2012899|script-title=el:Επιτέλους μια συγγνώμη|publisher=Ethnos.gr|date=12 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217234116/http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11378&subid=2&tag=9283&pubid=2012899|archive-date=17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Belgium}} '''Belgium:''' Two protests took place, a peaceful demonstrations in front of the Permanent Greek Representation to the European Communities in ] with around 120 demonstrators, 9 were arrested afterward and a violent demonstration which took place in ] where approximately 70 protesters attacked banks, shops, several undercover police officers and a camera crew, 19 rioters were arrested. | |||
On 16 December, Prime Minister ] speaking to ]'s parliamentary group, condemned the killing of the 15-year-old by the policeman, while calling for all parties to isolate rioters. He also acknowledged that "Long-unresolved problems, such as the lack of meritocracy, corruption in everyday life and a sense of social injustice disappoint young people". Karamanlis said income-tax cuts will go ahead. But he warned against high expectations, saying Greece will spend €12 billion, about 5% of GDP, just to service its ]. "Our top priority is to support those hurt the most ... (but) this debt is a huge burden that reduces the government's flexibility at this critical time".<ref>{{cite news|title=Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/greece-unrest/update-1-greek-pm-vows-to-fight-corruption-after-11-day-protest-idUSLG11802720081216 |work=] |date=16 December 2008 |first=Dina | last=Kyriakidou| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219122851/https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLG11802720081216| archive-date= 19 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PM in apologetic mood|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100003_17/12/2008_103104|publisher=Kathimerini|date=17 December 2008|access-date=18 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218215247/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100003_17/12/2008_103104| archive-date= 18 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mea Culpa|url=http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=66113|publisher=Eleftheros Typos|date=16 December 2008|access-date=18 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081219071733/http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=66113 |archive-date = 19 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} '''Bosnia and Herzegovina:''' Demonstrations took place in front of Greek embassy in ] by students of ].<ref>http://inicijativa.org/grcka/node/56</ref> | |||
<!-- Please help assort the information belonging to the international response and move the rest to a different section--> | |||
===International response and demonstrations abroad=== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Bulgaria}} '''Bulgaria:''' Protests took place in front of the Greek embassy in ].<ref></ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Argentina}} '''Argentina:''' In Argentina 50 students show their protests. On 13 December a small group of students gathered outside the Greek embassy in ] to express their solidarity and to condemn the shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://chiapas.indymedia.org/article_160916 |title=Solidaridad de la Federacion Universitaria de Buenos Aires ante la embajada griega |date=13 December 2008 |publisher=] |access-date=13 December 2008 |language=es |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116013324/http://chiapas.indymedia.org/article_160916 |archive-date=16 January 2009 }}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Australia}} '''Australia:''' Australia warned tourists of possible violent demonstrations.<ref name=AP /> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Austria}} '''Austria:''' Approximately 1200 demonstrators protested outside the Greek embassy in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/el/kosmos/eidiseis/16663-antidraseis-kai-sto-eksoteriko.htm|script-title=el:Αντιδράσεις και στο εξωτερικό|date=12 December 2008|publisher=ERTonline|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081214180831/http://news.ert.gr/el/kosmos/eidiseis/16663-antidraseis-kai-sto-eksoteriko.htm |archive-date = 14 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} '''Bosnia and Herzegovina:''' Demonstrations took place in front of Greek embassy in ] by students of ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Danas Grčka, sutra ceo Balkan...|url=http://inicijativa.org/grcka/node/56 |title=Sarajevo: Protest solidarnosti sa protestima u Grčkoj, 24.12.2008. | Danas Grčka, sutra ceo Balkan |publisher=Inicijativa.org |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712043335/http://inicijativa.org/grcka/node/56 |archive-date=12 July 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Canada}} '''Canada:''' In Vancouver, Protesters broke the windows and tagged a bank in solidarity with the rioters. In Montreal, a rally in solidarity with the rioters is held in front of the Greek consulate on 16 December. | |||
* {{Flagicon|China}} '''China:''' China expressed concern about the safety of its nationals living in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103369|title=China and France concerned|date=9 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=10 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717003455/http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103369 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Cyprus}} '''Cyprus:''' Riots, demonstrations and clashes also spread to Cyprus. The riots began around midday on 8 December 2008 in the capital ] and the western city of ].<ref name="Phileleftheros">{{cite news |url=http://www.phileleftheros.com/main/main.asp?gid=334&id=594952 |script-title=el:Συμπλοκές νεαρών με αστυνομικούς σε Λευκωσία και Πάφο |publisher=] |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=8 December 2008 |language=el |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210050437/http://www.phileleftheros.com/main/main.asp?gid=334&id=594952 |archive-date=10 December 2008 |url-status=dead |title=Clashes between youth and police in Nicosia and Paphos }}</ref> In Paphos, student protesters gathered around the city's ] and the police headquarters where they began verbally abusing the Cypriot police. The protesters also starting throwing rocks at the building, injuring at least one police officer. These violent clashes were met with the arrest of two students.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217161858/http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=6804&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com |date=17 December 2008 }}, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 8 December 2008</ref> In the city of ], hundreds of students gathered at the police headquarters where they engaged in demonstrations and "scuffles" in response to the events in ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219171108/http://famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com |date=19 February 2009 }}, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 10 December 2008</ref> On 10 December, ] cancelled a number of flights to both mainland Greece and ], including to Athens, ] and ], due to the outbreak of strikes by air traffic controllers and other airport workers.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217161903/http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=69&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=6812&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com |date=17 December 2008 }}, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 9 December 2008</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Denmark}} '''Denmark:''' 63 people were arrested in ] when their protests in support of the Greek rioters allegedly turned violent.<ref name="google1">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEJV7CL1NJnYUSqYpXjVt_5sKIJw|title=Skirmishes erupt in Athens for sixth day |date=11 December 2008|agency=AFP|access-date=11 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214062008/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEJV7CL1NJnYUSqYpXjVt_5sKIJw| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3709695/Greek-protests-spread-to-European-cities.html|title=Greek protests spread to European cities.|date=11 December 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |access-date=13 December 2008|first=Nick|last=Squires| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214082005/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3709695/Greek-protests-spread-to-European-cities.html| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|France}} '''France:''' Protesters entered the Greek consulate in Paris, France. The symbolic occupation was peaceful.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-shooting-france-sb/protesters-enter-greek-consulate-in-paris-idUSTRE4B82V720081209 |title=Protesters enter Greek consulate in Paris |work=] |date=9 December 2008 |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=6 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906103320/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-shooting-france-sb/protesters-enter-greek-consulate-in-paris-idUSTRE4B82V720081209 |url-status=live }}</ref> 3000 demonstrators also gathered outside the Greek embassy in Paris and scuffled with police before partly blocking the ], the most prestigious avenue in Paris. In ], a city in the south of the country, demonstrators set cars alight outside the Greek consulate and wrote graffiti about a coming 'insurrection'.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD951DTSO0 |title=Week of Greek rioting taps into wider discontent |agency=Associated Press |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=12 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215110919/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD951DTSO0| archive-date= 15 December 2008 |url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Germany}} '''Germany:''' On the night of 7 December 2008 and during the following week, spontaneous demonstrations of solidarity took place in numerous German cities, both by left-wing groups of Greek university students studying abroad and local leftist activists. In the first week after the incident, the German ] network had reported demonstrations in 26 German cities, with participation ranging from a few dozen to several hundred people,<ref name="HA1">{{cite news|url=http://de.indymedia.org/2008/12/234980.shtml |title=Griechenland: Polizist erschießt Jugendlichen |publisher=] Deutschland |date=13 December 2008 |access-date=13 December 2008 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211081643/http://de.indymedia.org/2008/12/234980.shtml |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> among the biggest being Berlin, Hamburg, ], ], ], Leipzig, ], and ]. On 8 December 2008, a group of demonstrators occupied the Greek consulate in Berlin: 240 people pushed their way into the lobby of the consulate at ] in western Berlin at around 9:40 am local time. One of the demonstrators told the ] that the demonstration was in protest against a Greek state that was responsible for the death of the teenager. The occupation ultimately ended peacefully.<ref name="SPON1">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,595033,00.html |title=Demonstrators Occupy Greek Consulate in Berlin |work=Der Spiegel |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=8 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211004639/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0%2C1518%2C595033%2C00.html |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> On 20 December German ] confronted an estimated 950 protesters in ] who were expressing their sympathy for student protesters in Greece by marching under the banner of "Solidarity is a weapon." The German police reported that the protest actions were broken up after they escalated to rioting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,597899,00.html |title=Police Squash Violent Hamburg Protest |date=22 December 2008 |publisher=Spiegel |access-date=26 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130060256/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0%2C1518%2C597899%2C00.html |archive-date=30 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Ireland}} '''Ireland:''' Over two dozen people in the capital city, ], picketed the Greek embassy in protest at the shooting and in solidarity with the protests.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217123539/http://www.wsm.ie/news_viewer/4885 |date=17 December 2008 }}, 11 December 2008</ref> A second solidarity event was held after the call-out for international solidarity from those partaking in the events in Greece. Activists from the Workers Solidarity Movement, along with members of the Greek community in Ireland and individual activists, marched to the Greek embassy from ] with banners proclaiming 'RESIST THE POLICE: MURDERERS IN UNIFORM' 'OUR LIVES DO NOT BELONG TO THE STATE' and 'REMEMBER THE DEAD – FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING' The activists marched down a main-road behind these banners, at the height of the Christmas shopping period. The embassy had been attacked at some stage before the demonstration, and its front walls were covered in red paint. Two windows were also broken in the attack. When the rally arrived it was addressed by a Greek ] living in Ireland.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209024727/http://www.indymedia.ie/article/90269#attachment1000044111 |date=9 February 2009 }}, 20 December 2008</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Italy}} '''Italy:''' Related ] were found in ] near the Greek consulate. Many activists demonstrated in front of the Greek consulate in ].<ref name="Repubblica1">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/scontri-riprendono/scontri-riprendono.html?ref=rephpnews|title=Atene, migliaia ai funerali di Alexis Scontri davanti al cimitero|work=la Repubblica |location=Italy|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=it| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217235044/http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/scontri-riprendono/scontri-riprendono.html?ref=rephpnews| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> (Again one year later on 11 December 2009 during a students demonstration red paint was thrown against military police in front of the Greek consulate in ]) Demonstrations took place also in ] and in front of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine Studies in ].<ref name="Repubblica2">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/sciopero-generale-tensione/sciopero-generale-tensione.html|title=Demonstration in Venice|work=la Repubblica |location=Italy|date=10 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=it| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212040702/http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/sciopero-generale-tensione/sciopero-generale-tensione.html| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> In Rome, demonstrators burned a garbage bin and threw fire crackers and rocks at police cars trying to stop them from reaching the Greek embassy.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-unrest/greece-hit-by-5th-day-of-violence-idUSTRE4B91LB20081210?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 | title=Greece hit by 5th day of violence, general strike | work=] | date=10 December 2008 | access-date=6 September 2019 | archive-date=4 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904043051/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-unrest/greece-hit-by-5th-day-of-violence-idUSTRE4B91LB20081210?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 | url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Luxembourg}} '''Luxembourg:''' Around thirty protesters marched through Luxembourg's city centre on Saturday 20 December 2008 afternoon to show solidarity with young people in Greece. The group assembled at 15:30 in the Place Guillaume and followed a route through the city centre to the Greek Embassy. Although the group disrupted traffic at times, the police reported no disturbances. the group dispersed around 6 pm.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://station.lu/newsDetails.cfm?id=22508|title="Greece" protest passes off peacefully|publisher=news.station.lu|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101162441/http://station.lu/newsDetails.cfm?id=22508|archive-date=1 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Portugal}} '''Portugal:''' Some demonstrations were held in the city of ] and ], on 20 December, the international day of solidarity with Greece.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ainfos.ca/ainfos336/ainfos37512.html |title=A-Infos (pt) Solidariedade mundo afora com a rebelião grega |publisher=Ainfos.ca |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072251/http://www.ainfos.ca/ainfos336/ainfos37512.html |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.midiaindependente.org/eo/blue/2008/12/435926.shtml |title=CMI Brasil – Solidariedade mundo afora com a rebelião grega |publisher=Midiaindependente.org |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316040050/http://www.midiaindependente.org/eo/blue/2008/12/435926.shtml |archive-date=16 March 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|North Macedonia}} '''North Macedonia:''' Around 20 activists gathered in front of the Greek embassy in a peaceful protest in support of the Greek demonstrators. Protests were taken in front of the Greek Embassy in ] on 14 December and at the main square of Skopje on 18 December.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704124626/http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081219013248579 |date=4 July 2009 }}. News.infoshop.org. Retrieved 21 June 2011.</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Romania}} '''Romania:''' Around 20 people protested in front of the Greek Consulate in ]. Three were detained. The protest included a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://romania.indymedia.org/ro/2008/12/2894.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217143701/http://romania.indymedia.org/ro/2008/12/2894.shtml |url-status = dead|archive-date=17 December 2008 |title=Protest in Romania |access-date=9 March 2010 }}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Russia}} '''Russia:''' The Greek embassy in Moscow was targeted by firebombers.<ref name="google1"/> As a result, the ] increased security measures around the embassy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967149&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Εξαπλώνεται στην Ευρώπη η "λάβα" αγανάκτησης που κατέκλυσε την Ελλάδα.|date=12 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081213132537/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967149&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 13 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> On 13 December about 30 activists of "Left Front" participated in a demonstration of solidarity. Approximately 15 people were arrested.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lastnews/2008/12/13/n_1307868.shtml|script-title=ru:Задержаны 15 участников пикета у посольства Греции|date=14 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=14 December 2008|language=ru| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215071201/http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lastnews/2008/12/13/n_1307868.shtml| archive-date= 15 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Serbia}} '''Serbia:''' In Serbia, there was an attack on the Greek embassy, where several molotovs were thrown through windows and interior and exterior walls were vandalised in support for the Greek protesters. Six protesters were arrested and tried for "vandalism and terrorism". All of them received 6-month sentences, but were later acquitted because of a lack of evidence against them.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/crimes-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=16&nav_id=67854|title=Acquittal in Greek embassy attack case|date=16 June 2010|publisher=]|access-date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916163151/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/crimes-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=16&nav_id=67854|archive-date=16 September 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Spain}} '''Spain:''' In Spain, 11 demonstrators were arrested and several policemen injured in clashes in ] and ].<ref name="google1"/> Attacks on a police station and a bank by Spanish youths in Madrid and Barcelona also fueled concern about copy-cat protests.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-unrest/greek-violence-flares-for-sixth-day-idUSTRE4B91LB20081211?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 | title=Greek violence flares for sixth day | work=] | date=11 December 2008 | access-date=6 September 2019 | archive-date=4 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904062457/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-unrest/greek-violence-flares-for-sixth-day-idUSTRE4B91LB20081211?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 | url-status=live }}</ref> In ], a relatively small concentration of people in front of a police station was announced for 10 December, in the evening, since the day before, turning into a spontaneous demonstration of over 100 people through the streets. Slogans were chanted denouncing the repressive role of the police and State, labelled as "assassin", "violent", "repressor" and "terrorist", as well as for solidarity with Alexandros Grigoropoulos and Greek riots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lahaine.org/blog.php?disp=impr&blog=1&p=34807|title=Crónica de la manifestación en apoyo a la lucha de Grecia | access-date= 9 March 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100316055532/http://www.lahaine.org/blog.php?disp=impr&blog=1&p=34807| archive-date= 16 March 2010|url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Sweden}} '''Sweden:''' In ], approximately 50 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos outside the Greek embassy.<ref name="december1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8777&pubid=2012757|script-title=el:Η οργή ξεπέρασε τα σύνορα|date=12 December 2008|publisher=Ethnos|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215013801/http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8777&pubid=2012757|archive-date=15 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Switzerland}} '''Switzerland:''' In ], approximately 120 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos and police violence and expressed their support to the demonstrators in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://athens.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=948777|script-title=el:Ζυρίχη, Διαδήλωση Αλληλεγγύης, 15 Δεκέμβρη|date=17 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=17 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218084557/http://athens.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=948777|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|Netherlands}} '''Netherlands:''' Solidarity demonstrations took place in The Hague, Amsterdam, Nijmegen and Leiden. Approximately 200 demonstrators took part in each of these largely peaceful demonstrations. | |||
* {{Flagicon|Turkey}} '''Turkey:''' A dozen left-wing demonstrators daubed red paint on the Greek consulate in ].<ref name="google1"/> Also a large demonstration was organised on 11 December by the ].<ref name="december1"/> Protesters attacked to the Greek consulate building with red paint and broke into the building. | |||
* {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''United Kingdom:''' Britain warned tourists of possibly violent demonstrations.<ref name=AP /> On 8 December 2008 in London, up to a hundred protesters clashed with police after trying to storm the Greek embassy in London. A group of Protesters tore down the ] from the building in ] and set it on fire.<ref name="SKY1">{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/London-Greek-Embassy-Stormed-By-Protesters/Article/200812215174658?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_7&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15174658_London_Greek_Embassy_Stormed_By_Protesters |title=Gang Storms London Embassy |publisher=] |date=8 December 2008 |access-date=8 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214093505/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/London-Greek-Embassy-Stormed-By-Protesters/Article/200812215174658?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_7&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15174658_London_Greek_Embassy_Stormed_By_Protesters| archive-date= 14 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> The police had been called to deal with "about 30" young protesters that seemed to be mostly students. Two protests were held in ], on 8 and 10 December, both involving protest marches up to Castle Street.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://alexisedinburgh2008.blogspot.com|title=Edinburgh Protest for Alexis Grigoropoulos murder|date=10 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008|archive-date=8 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808104905/http://alexisedinburgh2008.blogspot.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* {{Flagicon|United States}} '''United States:''' On 10 December, the Greek consulate in New York was defaced with black graffiti, and a rock was thrown at one of the windows.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/nyregion/11consulate.html?ref=nyregion |title=Bike-Riding Suspect Sought in Attack on Greek Consulate |access-date=11 December 2008 |work=The New York Times | first=Al | last=Baker | date=11 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110922043622/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/nyregion/11consulate.html?ref=nyregion| archive-date=22 September 2011|url-status = live}}</ref> On 11 December 50 people in ], the capital of the state of ], marched in solidarity with the Greek revolt. Bank windows were smashed, resulting in one arrest.<ref name="InfoShop">{{cite news |url=http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081210041339579 |title=Olympia, Washington: Solidarity March for the Greek Revolt |date=11 December 2008 |publisher=InfoShop |access-date=14 August 2008 |archive-date=18 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218220619/http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081210041339579 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 December, students at ] in New York City occupied a university building, demanding the resignation of several members of the administration and greater power in university administration, both in solidarity with the Greek students and in protest of the ]. The students stated that they were inspired by and stood in solidarity with the civil unrest in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081217203327320|title=Infoshop News – New York City: New School University is now Occupied|date=17 December 2008|publisher=]|access-date=18 December 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090122051423/http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081217203327320| archive-date= 22 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> In San Francisco, a protest ended in five arrests after protesters attacked businesses at Westfield Mall. In ], Missouri six people were arrested at a protest that blocked traffic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8118130&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 |title=St. Louis News | FOX2now.com | – KTVI |publisher=Myfoxstl.com |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-date=16 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116024756/http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8118130&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> In Boston, Massachusetts, there was a solidarity demonstration outside the Greek consulate. In Providence, Rhode Island, about thirty people marched through the streets in a funeral procession in solidarity with the uprising in Greece as well as against the war in Gaza.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://saffolicious.blogspot.com/2009/01/solidarity-rally.html|title=Solidarity Rally|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-date=18 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018081008/http://saffolicious.blogspot.com/2009/01/solidarity-rally.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Criticism== | |||
*{{Flagicon|People's Republic of China}} '''China:''' ] expressed concern about the safety of its nationals living in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skai.gr/master_story.php?id=103369|title=China and France concerned|date=9 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-10|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
===Criticism of the Government=== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Cyprus}} '''Cyprus:''' Riots, demonstrations and clashes also spread to ]. The riots began around midday on 8 December 2008 in the capital ] and the western city of ].<ref name=Phileleftheros/> In Paphos, student protesters gathered around the city's ] and the police headquarters where they began verbally abusing the Cypriot police. The protesters also starting throwing rocks at the building, injuring at least one police officer. These violent clashes were met with the arrest of two students.<ref>, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 8 December 2008</ref> In the city of ], hundreds of students gathered at the police headquarters where they engaged in demonstrations and "scuffles" in response to the events in ].<ref>, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 10 December 2008</ref> On 10 December, ] cancelled a number of flights to both mainland Greece and ], including to Athens, ] and ], due to the outbreak of strikes by air traffic controllers and other airport workers.<ref>, ''The Famagusta Gazette Online'', 9 December 2008</ref> | |||
On 10 December the ]'s Central Committee released a written statement where they said that "an effort is being made by the bourgeoisie state, the ] government to utilise the blind violence of the hooded people, which we are witnessing mainly through the television channels, to check the swelling wave of discontent and popular intervention that is developing."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7118541&maindocimg=6919889&service=102|title=Papariga on Wed.'s strike|publisher=ANA |date=12 December 2008|access-date=15 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081213024409/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7118541&maindocimg=6919889&service=102 |archive-date = 13 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
On 12 December, ] leader ] speaking before his party's political council members blamed the ruling ] government for the recent violent street protests in Athens and other parts of the country. He held the government solely responsible for everything taking place in the country, stated that "the government itself is the problem" and called for early elections so that, the Greek people will be able to provide a clear mandate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7127112&maindocimg=7119232&service=8|title=Papandreou calls for new gov't mandate|publisher=ANA |date=12 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217081132/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7127112&maindocimg=7119232&service=8 |archive-date = 17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7131667&maindocimg=7119232&service=7|script-title=el:Η χώρα χρειάζεται επειγόντως αλλαγή|publisher=ANA|date=12 December 2008|access-date=14 December 2008|language=el|archive-date=17 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217081137/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7131667&maindocimg=7119232&service=7|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Denmark}} '''Denmark:''' 63 people were arrested in ] when their protests in support of the Greek rioters allegedly turned violent.<ref name="google1">{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEJV7CL1NJnYUSqYpXjVt_5sKIJw|title=Skirmishes erupt in Athens for sixth day |date=11 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/3709695/Greek-protests-spread-to-European-cities.html|title=Greek protests spread to European cities.|date=11 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=English}}</ref> | |||
On the same day, MP ] of the ] accused the political leadership of the Greek police for giving orders to the riot police not to intervene effectively to stop the riots at their initial stage. Also ] proposed a project that anyone hooded should be arrested, to stop university asylum, ban protests and review the role of the army, in order to stop the riots.<ref name="ethnos.gr"/> | |||
*{{Flagicon|France}} '''France:''' Protesters entered the Greek consulate in ], ]. The symbolic occupation was peaceful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B82V720081209|title=Protesters enter Greek consulate in Paris}}</ref> 3000 demonstrators also gathered outside the Greek embassy in Paris and scuffled with police before partly blocking the ], the most prestigious avenue in Paris. In ], a city in the south of the country, demonstrators set cars alight outside the Greek consulate and wrote graffiti about a coming 'insurrection'.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBFlGGEp5P_Xn83Bw3PLwJ020A-QD951DTSO0 |title=Week of Greek rioting taps into wider discontent |publisher=] |date=2008-12-12 |accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> | |||
In a meeting with police labor unionists, ] the parliamentary leader of ] criticised the government for using the riot police as their own "army", he also, asked for an inter-party committee to examine the responsibilities and rights of the Greek police,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/el/ellada/politiki/16661-alekos-alabanos-na-eksetastoun-ta-problimata.htm|script-title=el:Αλέκος Αλαβάνος: "Να εξεταστούν τα προβλήματα"|publisher=ert.gr|date=12 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081214175106/http://news.ert.gr/el/ellada/politiki/16661-alekos-alabanos-na-eksetastoun-ta-problimata.htm |archive-date = 14 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> whereas ], the president of Synaspismos, declared that the situation is indeed very grim and that the Greek government needs to find solutions for the actual causes of this "new social phenomenon".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967281&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Διακομματική επιτροπή για την αστυνομία ζητά ο Αλέκος Αλαβάνος|publisher=]|date=12 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081213154550/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967281&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 13 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Germany}} '''Germany:''' On the night of 7 December 2008 and during the following week, spontaneous demonstrations of solidarity took place in numerous German cities, both by left-wing groups of Greek university students studying abroad and local leftist activists. In the first week after the incident, the German ] network had reported demonstrations in 26 German cities, with participation ranging from a few dozen to several hundred people<ref name=HA1>{{cite news |url=http://de.indymedia.org/2008/12/234980.shtml |title=Griechenland: Polizist erschießt Jugendlichen |publisher=] Deutschland |date=2008-12-13 |accessdate=2008-12-13 |language=German}}</ref>, among the biggest being ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. On 8 December 2008, a group of demonstrators occupied the Greek consulate in ]: 240 people pushed their way into the lobby of the consulate at ] in western Berlin at around 9:40 a.m. local time. One of the demonstrators told the ] that the demonstration was in protest against a Greek state that was responsible for the death of the teenager. The occupation ultimately ended peacefully.<ref name=SPON1>{{cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,595033,00.html |title=Demonstrators Occupy Greek Consulate in Berlin |publisher=] |date=2008-12-08 |accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> On 12 December more than 1500 demonstrators protested the death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos in Berlin, according to the German police.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_13/12/2008_260165|title=Διαδηλώσεις σε όλο τον κόσμο για το θάνατο Γρηγορόπουλου.|date=13 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> On 20 December German ] confronted an estimated 950 protesters in ] who were expressing their sympathy for student protesters in Greece by marching under the banner of "Solidarity is a weapon." The German police reported that the protest actions were broken up after they escalated to rioting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,597899,00.html|title=Police Squash Violent Hamburg Protest|date=22 December 2008|publisher=Spiegel|accessdate=2008-12-26|language=English}}</ref> | |||
===Criticism of the Coalition of the Radical Left=== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Ireland}} '''Ireland:''' Over twelve dozen people in the capital city, ], picketed the Greek embassy in protest at the shooting and in solidarity with the protests.<ref>, 11 December 2008</ref> | |||
], Secretary General of the ], called the leadership of the ] (SYRIZA) to "stop patting the hooded rioters on the back".<ref name="meeting2">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966084&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Να μην χαϊδεύει τα αυτιά των κουκουλοφόρων ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, δήλωσε η Αλ.Παπαρήγα|publisher=]|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212082732/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966084&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> ], president of the Popular Orthodox Rally, also stated that "there are some political powers that are serious, and some that pat them on the back{{nbsp}}...".<ref name="right-wing">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966224&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Ηρεμία ζητά ο Γ.Καρατζαφέρης, αφήνοντας αιχμές για τα επεισόδια|publisher=]|date=9 December 2008|access-date=9 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212084756/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966224&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 12 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> ], SYRIZA president, replied "we don't pat them on the back, and we don't take the role of the state's prosecutor either". He attacked the ], describing it as a conservative power that is disturbed when the youth spontaneously storm the streets. He also stated that the young people of the country have reached a deadlock, and this deadlock and their problems force them to the streets.<ref name="In.gr4">{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966457&lngDtrID=244|script-title=el:Ούτε χαϊδεύουμε αυτιά, ούτε κάνουμε τους εισαγγελείς τόνισε ο Αλέξης Τσίπρας|publisher=]|date=10 December 2008|access-date=10 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081211010400/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966457&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 11 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
On Thursday 11th, Georgios Karatzaferis referred to a press release of the newspaper "Adesmeutos Typos" which, he claimed, had an MP of the Coalition supporting "the terrorism" instead of condemning the riots. Alekos Alavanos replied that, "Some have lost sense of what they say and what antidemocratic consequences their sayings might bring".<ref name="parliament">{{cite news|script-title=el:Στη Βουλή μεταφέρθηκε η αντιπαράθεση για τα συνεχιζόμενα επεισόδια|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966810&lngDtrID=244|publisher=]|date=11 December 2008|access-date=11 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081213102159/http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966810&lngDtrID=244| archive-date= 13 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=]|url=http://www.parliament.gr/ergasies/showfile.asp?file=syne081211.txt|script-title=el:ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΑΣΗ ΝΑ΄ Πέμπτη 11 Δεκεμβρίου 2008|date=11 December 2008|access-date=11 December 2008|language=el|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081218220617/http://www.parliament.gr/ergasies/showfile.asp?file=syne081211.txt |archive-date = 18 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> On Friday 12th, in the parliament, MPs of both ruling New Democracy and the PASOK opposition criticised SYRIZA for not condemning the riots, and for ]'s statement that "the struggle must be moved in the schools".<ref name="Kathimerini&Parliament">{{cite news|url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100057_12/12/2008_295730|script-title=el:Διακομματική συναίνεση υπέρ ανοιχτών σχολείων|publisher=]|date=12 December 2008|access-date=13 December 2008|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610051116/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100057_12/12/2008_295730|archive-date=10 June 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Italy}} '''Italy:''' Related ] were found in ] near the Greek consulate. Many activists demonstrated in front of the Greek consulate in ].<ref name=Repubblica1>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/scontri-riprendono/scontri-riprendono.html?ref=rephpnews|title=Atene, migliaia ai funerali di Alexis Scontri davanti al cimitero|publisher=]|date=2008-12-09|accessdate=2008-12-09|language=Italian}}</ref> Demonstrations took place also in ] and in front of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine Studies in ].<ref name=Repubblica2>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/grecia-scontri/sciopero-generale-tensione/sciopero-generale-tensione.html|title=Demonstration in Venice|publisher=]|date=2008-12-10|accessdate=2008-12-09|language=Italian}}</ref> In Rome, demonstrators burned a garbage bin and threw fire crackers and rocks at police cars trying to stop them reaching the Greek embassy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B91LB20081210?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Greece hit by 5th day of violence, general strike}}</ref> | |||
On Sunday 15th, ] current president of SYRIZA called an unscheduled press conference where he dismissed criticism and decried what he called "slanderous" statements against the recent protests, he also added that "] and its affiliated Parliamentary group, SYRIZA, are in an ideological conflict with the hooded gangs, because violence brings forth violence and leads to an impasse".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7132731&maindocimg=7012667&service=96|title=Leftist leader dismisses criticism|publisher=ANA|date=15 December 2008|access-date=15 December 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217081147/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7132731&maindocimg=7012667&service=96 |archive-date = 17 December 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7133250&maindocimg=6472832&service=99|script-title=el:Προτάσεις για τη νεολαία|publisher=ANA|date=15 December 2008|access-date=15 December 2008|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217081152/http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7133250&maindocimg=6472832&service=99| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Luxembourg}} '''Luxembourg:''' Around thirty protesters marched through Luxembourg's city centre on Saturday 20 December 2008 afternoon to show solidarity with young people in Greece. The group assembled at 15:30 in the Place Guillaume and followed a route through the city centre to the Greek Embassy. Although the group disrupted traffic at times, the police reported no disturbances. the group dispersed around 6pm.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://station.lu/newsDetails.cfm?id=22508 | |||
|title= Greece Protest passes off peacefully|publisher=news.station.lu|language=English}}</ref> | |||
===Criticism of the media=== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Macedonia}} '''Republic of Macedonia:''' Protests were taken in front of the Greek Embassy in ] on December 14 and at the main square of Skopje on December 18. <ref>http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081214041346643</ref> | |||
'Breaking news' bulletins and other mass media accounts of the shooting reported that an unprovoked attack had taken place against the police, favoring a narrative of 'riots in Exarcheia' that sidelined or trivialized the death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos. However, the existence of eyewitness video footage of the event and its circulation along with other alternative accounts on social media, changed the predominant perception from one of an (Protesters) attack against police officers in the 'notorious' neighborhood of Exarcheia to one of a 'rogue' policeman killing a kid. Nevertheless, media coverage uncritically reproduced the initial police report and persisted in promoting a flawed scenario of the events when the 'awkward facts' were clear to most people.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | |||
| last = Kitis | |||
*{{Flagicon|Portugal}} '''Portugal:''' Some demonstrations were held in the city of ] and ], on the December 20, the international day of solidarity with Greece.<ref>http://www.ainfos.ca/ainfos336/ainfos37512.html</ref><ref>http://www.midiaindependente.org/eo/blue/2008/12/435926.shtml</ref> | |||
| first = E. Dimitris | |||
| author-link = E. Dimitris Kitis | |||
| editor1-last = De Rycker | |||
| editor1-first = Antoon | |||
| editor2-last = Mohd Don | |||
| editor2-first = Zuraidah | |||
| title = The 2008 urban riots in Greece: Differential representations of a police shooting incident | |||
| encyclopedia = Discourse and crisis: Critical perspectives | |||
| pages = 323–362 | |||
| publisher = John Benjamins | |||
| location = Amsterdam and Philadelphia | |||
| date = 2013 | |||
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=I60bAgAAQBAJ&q=discourse+and+crisis&pg=PA65 | |||
| isbn = 9789027270924 | |||
| access-date = 4 November 2020 | |||
| archive-date = 4 September 2021 | |||
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210904180643/https://books.google.com/books?id=I60bAgAAQBAJ&q=discourse+and+crisis&pg=PA65 | |||
| url-status = live | |||
}}</ref> | |||
On 9 December, a photographer working for the newspaper ], who had taken on 7 December some snap-shots of a policeman targeting protesters with his gun, was fired, as the paper's editor claimed he was responsible for the leakage of the photos in the Internet. The photographer claimed the photos were not any more in his possession in the time of the leak, said that the editor was unwilling to publish them and denounced his sack as an attempt of political censorship, while left-wing newspapers and websites noted the editor's pro-government stance during the riots.<ref name="tvxs.grTsironis">{{cite news|url=http://www.tvxs.gr/v1407 |title=Aποκλειστικό: Απολύθηκε ο φωτογράφος της καλύτερης εικόνας των ημερών|publisher=tvxs.gr|date=10 December 2008|access-date=3 January 2009|language=el|archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090303043846/http%3A//www%2Etvxs%2Egr//v1407|archive-date = 3 March 2009 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="IOS">{{cite news|url=http://www.iospress.gr/mikro2008/mikro20081220.htm|script-title=el:Η κυριότητα της αλήθειας|publisher=]|date=20 December 2008|access-date=3 January 2009|language=el|archive-date=23 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223050723/http://www.iospress.gr/mikro2008/mikro20081220.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The same newspaper received harsh criticism for misquoting ] in its front page of 10 December.<ref name="sarantakos">{{cite web |url=http://www.sarantakos.com/isocrat.htm|script-title=el:Το ψεύτικο ρητό του Ισοκράτη για την "αυτοκαταστροφή της δημοκρατίας"|publisher=Nikos Sarantakos|date=10 December 2008|access-date=3 January 2009|language=el| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081217022949/http://www.sarantakos.com/isocrat.htm| archive-date= 17 December 2008 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Romania}} '''Romania:''' Around 20 people protested in front of the Greek Consulate in ]. Three were detained. The protest included a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://romania.indymedia.org/ro/2008/12/2894.shtml|title=Protest in Romania }}</ref> | |||
The ] cautioned the country's broadcast media stations in their coverage of the riots.<ref name="ESR">{{cite news|url=https://www.protothema.gr/naked-city/genikes-eidiseis/article/19902/ypodeiksh-esr-pros-radiothleoptikoys-stathmoys/|script-title=el:Υπόδειξη ΕΣΡ προς ραδιοτηλεοπτικούς σταθμούς|trans-title=ESR suggestion to radio and television stations|publisher=]|date=13 December 2008|language=el|access-date=13 March 2022|archive-date=13 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174443/https://www.protothema.gr/naked-city/genikes-eidiseis/article/19902/ypodeiksh-esr-pros-radiothleoptikoys-stathmoys/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Russia}} '''Russia:''' The Greek embassy in ] was targeted by firebombers.<ref name="google1"/>As a result the ] increased security measures around the embassy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967149&lngDtrID=244|title=Εξαπλώνεται στην Ευρώπη η «λάβα» αγανάκτησης που κατέκλυσε την Ελλάδα.|date=12 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> On 13 December about 30 activists of "Left Front" participated in a demonstration of solidarity. Approximately 15 people were arrested.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lastnews/2008/12/13/n_1307868.shtml|title=Задержаны 15 участников пикета у посольства Греции|date=14 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-14|language=Russian}}</ref> | |||
==Financial consequences for the Greek economy== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Spain}} '''Spain:''' In ], 11 demonstrators were arrested and several policemen injured in clashes in ] and ].<ref name="google1"/> Attacks on a police station and a bank by Spanish youths in Madrid and Barcelona also fueled concern about copy-cat protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B91LB20081211?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Greek violence flares for sixth day}}</ref> In ], a relatively small concentration of people in front of a police station was announced for 10 December, in the evening, since the day before, turning into a spontaneous demonstration of over 100 people through the streets. Slogans were chanted denouncing the repressive role of the police and State, labelled as "assassin", "violent", "repressor" and "terrorist", as well as for solidarity with Alexandros Grigoropoulos and Greek riots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lahaine.org/blog.php?disp=impr&blog=1&p=34807|title=Crónica de la manifestación en apoyo a la lucha de Grecia }}</ref> | |||
{{see also|Greek government-debt crisis}} | |||
After the first days of demonstrations and the presentation of the 2009 ] that predicted solid economic growth in spite of the ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Greece passes budget despite labor opposition |url=https://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/12/21/afx5848700.html |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=19 December 2008 |work=Forbes |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207192516/http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/12/21/afx5848700.html |archive-date=7 February 2009 }}</ref> the ] of the Greek 10-year ] had, by 12 December 2008, widened to 230 ] against the corresponding German Government bonds (Bundesanleihen), a level that represents the highest level for the past nine years and the highest since the country entered the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=ReporterNet.com|title=Greece: Bonds spread hits 9-yr high versus Bund on political uncertainty|date=12 December 2008|access-date=19 December 2008|url=http://www1.reporter.gr/default.asp?pid=16&la=2&art_aid=191258|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712084731/http://www.reporter.gr/default.asp?pid=16|archive-date=12 July 2009|url-status = dead}}</ref> This had an immediate effect on the cost of financing for Greece's government; these costs rose considerably as a higher ] had to be paid on any bonds it sold. In addition, and given the credit crisis prevalent at the time, this curtailed its ability to issue ] at all since investors were more ] than normal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ekathimerini |last=English Edition|title= Riots push bond spreads wider |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=20 December 2008|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_economy_0_12/12/2008_102950 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090113202455/http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_economy_0_12/12/2008_102950| archive-date= 13 January 2009 |url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
Additionally, on Wednesday, 17 December 2008, the ] ] declared it would put Greece's ], already the lowest in the Eurozone at A1, off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Flynn |first1=Daniel |title=Greek riots to derail vital economic reforms |work=] |date=2008-12-18 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-greece-unrest-reform-analysis-idUKTRE4BH38720081218 |language=en |quote=Credit ratings agency Moody's said on Wednesday that, with reform stalled and debt servicing costing 11% of GDP, it would take Greece's A1 debt rating – already the lowest in the euro zone – off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued. |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313174409/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-greece-unrest-reform-analysis-idUKTRE4BH38720081218 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*{{Flagicon|Sweden}} '''Sweden:''' In ], approximately 50 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos outside the Greek embassy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8777&pubid=2012757|title=Η οργή ξεπέρασε τα σύνορα|date=12 December 2008|publisher=Ethnos|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Switzerland}} '''Switzerland:''' In ], approximately 120 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos and police violence and expressed their support to the demonstrators in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://athens.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=948777|title=Ζυρίχη, Διαδήλωση Αλληλεγγύης, 15 Δεκέμβρη|date=17 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-17|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
{{Portal|Greece}} | |||
* ] | |||
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* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
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* ] | |||
* ] | |||
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*] | |||
*] | |||
==References== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Netherlands}} '''Netherlands:''' In The Hague, Amsterdam, Nijmegen, and Leiden solidarity demonstrations took place. Approximately 200 demonstrators took part in each of these largely peaceful demonstrations. | |||
{{Reflist|30em}} | |||
==Further reading== | |||
*{{Flagicon|Turkey}} '''Turkey:''' A dozen left-wing demonstrators daubed red paint on the Greek consulate in ].<ref name="google1"/> Also a large demonstration was organised on 11 December by the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11424&subid=2&tag=8777&pubid=2012757|title=Η οργή ξεπέρασε τα σύνορα|date=12 December 2008|publisher=Ethnos|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
{{Refbegin}} | |||
*{{Flagicon|the United Kingdom}} '''United Kingdom:''' ] warned tourists of possibly violent demonstrations.<ref name=AP /> On 8 December 2008 in ], up to a hundred protesters clashed with police after trying to storm the Greek embassy in London. A group of anarchist demonstrators tore down the ] from the building in ] and set it on fire.<ref name=SKY1>{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/London-Greek-Embassy-Stormed-By-Protesters/Article/200812215174658?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_7&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15174658_London_Greek_Embassy_Stormed_By_Protesters |title=Gang Storms London Embassy |publisher=] |date=2008-12-08 |accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> The police have been called to deal with "about 30" young protesters that seem to be mostly students. Currently, the embassy is again working normally, and the situation is calm.<ref name=MSN>{{cite news |url=http://news.uk.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=11685716 |title=Protesters target Greek Embassy in London after riots spread in Greece|publisher=Associated Press |accessdate=2008-12-08}}</ref> Two protests were held in ], on 8 and 10 December, both involving protest marches up to Castle Street.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://alexisedinburgh2008.blogspot.com|title=Edinburgh Protest for Alexis Grigoropoulos murder |date=10 December 2008|accessdate=2008-12-10}}</ref> | |||
* {{Cite journal |last1=Dalakoglou |first1=Dimitris |title=The Crisis Before 'The Crisis' |journal=] |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=24–42 |date=2013 |url=https://research.vu.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/58586995/The_Crisis_Before_The_Crisis_1_.pdf |jstor=41940966 |language=en |df=mdy-all |access-date=11 April 2016 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904180644/https://www.academia.edu/3073023 |url-status=live }} | |||
* {{Cite journal |last1=Gerodimos |first1=Roman |title=The Ideology of Far Left Populism in Greece: Blame, Victimhood and Revenge in the Discourse of Greek Protesters |journal=] |volume=63 |issue=3 |pages=608–625 |date=2015 |language=en |doi=10.1111/1467-9248.12079 |s2cid=142982775 |issn=1467-9248 |df=mdy-all }} | |||
* {{Cite journal |last1=Kornetis |first1=Kostis |title=No More Heroes? Rejection and Reverberation of the Past in the 2008 Events in Greece |journal=] |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=173–197 |date=2010 |language=en |doi=10.1353/mgs.2010.0420 |s2cid=144028410 |issn=1086-3265 |df=mdy-all }} | |||
* {{Cite book |editor1-last=Vradis |editor1-first=Antonios |editor2-last=Dalakoglou |editor2-first=Dimitris |title=Revolt and Crisis in Greece |date=2011 |url=https://research.vu.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/80941216/Revolt_and_Crisis_in_Greece.pdf|language=en |isbn=978-0-9830597-1-4 |publisher=] and Occupied London |location=Oakland, CA |df=mdy-all |access-date=11 April 2016 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904180644/https://www.academia.edu/1244089 |url-status=live }} | |||
* {{Cite journal |last1=Vasilaki |first1=Rosa |title='We are an image from the future': Reading back the Athens 2008 riots|journal= Acta Scientiarum. Education|volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=153–161 |date=2017 |doi-access=free |doi=10.4025/actascieduc.v39i2.34851 |issn=2178-5201 |df=mdy-all }} | |||
<!-- self-published expert source | |||
* . By Antonis Vradis. ''Critical Legal Thinking,'' 3 July 2012.--> | |||
{{Refend}} | |||
==External links== | |||
*{{Flagicon|the United States}} '''United States:''' On 10 December, the Greek consulate in ] was defaced with black graffiti, and a rock was thrown at one of the windows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/nyregion/11consulate.html?ref=nyregion |title=Bike-Riding Suspect Sought in Attack on Greek Consulate |accessdate=2008-12-11 |format= |work=The New York Times }}</ref> On 11 December, 50 people in ], the capital of the state of ], marched in solidarity with the Greek revolt. Bank windows were smashed, resulting in one arrest.<ref name=InfoShop>{{cite news|url=http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081210041339579 |title=Olympia, Washington: Solidarity March For The Greek Revolt|Date=11 December 2008 | publisher=InfoShop |accessdate=2008-14-08}}</ref> On 17 December, students at ] in ] occupied a university building, demanding the resignation of several members of the administration and greater power in university administration, both in solidarity with the Greek students and in protest of the ]. The students stated that they were inspired by and stood in solidarity with the civil unrest in Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20081217203327320|title=Infoshop News - New York City: New School University is now Occupied|date=17 December 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-12-18}}</ref> In San Francisco, a protest ended in five arrests after protesters attacked businesses at Westfield Mall. In ] six people were arrested at a protest that blocked traffic.<ref>http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8118130&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1</ref> | |||
{{Commons category-inline}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:2008 Greek Riots}} | |||
==Criticism== | |||
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{{Expand|date=December 2008}} | |||
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===Criticism of the Government=== | |||
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On 10 December the ]'s Central Committee released a written statement where they said that "an effort is being made by the bourgeoisie state, the ] government to utilise the blind violence of the hooded people, which we are witnessing mainly through the television channels, to check the swelling wave of discontent and popular intervention that is developing."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7118541&maindocimg=6919889&service=102|title=Papariga on Wed.'s strike|publisher=ANA |date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-15|language=English}}</ref> | |||
On 12 December, ] leader ] speaking before his party's political council members blamed the ruling ] government for the recent violent street protests in Athens and other parts of the country. He held the government solely responsible for everything taking place in the country, stated that "the government itself is the problem" and called for early elections so that, the Greek people will be able to provide a clear mandate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7127112&maindocimg=7119232&service=8|title=Papandreou calls for new gov't mandate|publisher=ANA |date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-14|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7131667&maindocimg=7119232&service=7|title="Η χώρα χρειάζεται επειγόντως αλλαγή"|publisher=ANA |date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-14|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On the same day, MP ] of the ] accused the political leadership of the Greek police for giving orders to the riot police not to intervene effectively to stop the riots at their initial stage. Also ] proposed a project that anyone hooded should be arrested , to stop university asylum , and forbid the protests , in order to stop the riots.<ref name=ethnos.gr>{{cite news|url=http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=11378&subid=2&tag=9283&pubid=2012899|title=Επιτέλους μια συγγνώμη|publisher=Ethnos.gr|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
In a meeting with police ]ists, ] the parliamentary leader of the ] criticised the government for using the riot police as their own "army", he also, asked for an inter-party committee to examine the responsibilities and rights of the Greek police,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.ert.gr/el/ellada/politiki/16661-alekos-alabanos-na-eksetastoun-ta-problimata.htm|title=Αλέκος Αλαβάνος: "Να εξεταστούν τα προβλήματα"|publisher=ert.gr|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> whereas ], current president of the Coalition of the Radical Left, declared that the situation is indeed very grim and that the Greek government needs to find solutions for the actual causes of this "new social phenomenon".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=967281&lngDtrID=244|title=Διακομματική επιτροπή για την αστυνομία ζητά ο Αλέκος Αλαβάνος|publisher=]|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
===Criticism of the Coalition of the Radical Left=== | |||
], Secretary General of the ], called the leadership of the Coalition of the Radical Left (]) to "stop patting the hooded rioters on the back".<ref name=meeting2>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966084&lngDtrID=244|title=Να μην χαϊδεύει τα αυτιά των κουκουλοφόρων ο ΣΥΡΙΖΑ, δήλωσε η Αλ.Παπαρήγα|publisher=]|date=2008-12-09|accessdate=2008-12-09|language=Greek}}</ref> ], president of the Popular Orthodox Rally, also stated that "there are some political powers that are serious, and some that pat them on the back...". <ref name=right-wing>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966224&lngDtrID=244|title=Ηρεμία ζητά ο Γ.Καρατζαφέρης, αφήνοντας αιχμές για τα επεισόδια|publisher=]|date=2008-12-09|accessdate=2008-12-09|language=Greek}}</ref> ], SYRIZA president, replied "we don't pat them on the back, and we don't take the role of the state's prosecutor either". He attacked the ], describing it as a conservative power that is disturbed when the youth spontaneously storm the streets. He also stated that the young people of the country have reached a deadlock, and this deadlock and their problems force them to the streets.<ref name=In.gr4>{{cite news|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966457&lngDtrID=244|title=Ούτε χαϊδεύουμε αυτιά, ούτε κάνουμε τους εισαγγελείς τόνισε ο Αλέξης Τσίπρας|publisher=]|date=2008-12-10|accessed date=2008-12-10|language=Greek}}</ref> ], former SYRIZA chairman, spoke to a local radio station and criticised the present party leadership for not condemning the riots directly.<ref name=Konstantopoulos>{{cite news|url=http://e-apogevmatini.gr/index.php?func=todays_newspaper&page_no=4|title=Υποδείξεις προς την Κουμουνδούρου|publisher=]|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-12|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On Thursday 11th, Georgios Karatzaferis referred to a press release of the newspaper "Adesmeutos Typos" which, he claimed, had an MP of the Coalition supporting "the terrorism" instead of condemning the riots. Alekos Alavanos replied that, "Some have lost sense of what they say and what antidemocratic consequences their sayings might bring".<ref name=parliament>{{cite news|title=Στη Βουλή μεταφέρθηκε η αντιπαράθεση για τα συνεχιζόμενα επεισόδια|url=http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=966810&lngDtrID=244|publisher=]|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|publisher=]|url=http://www.parliament.gr/ergasies/showfile.asp?file=syne081211.txt|title=ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΑΣΗ ΝΑ΄ Πέμπτη 11 Δεκεμβρίου 2008|date=2008-12-11|accessdate=2008-12-11|language=Greek}}</ref> On Friday 12th, in the parliament, MPs of both ruling New Democracy and the PASOK opposition criticised SYRIZA for not condemning the riots, and for ]'s statement that "the struggle must be moved in the schools".<ref name=Kathimerini&Parliament>{{cite news|url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100057_12/12/2008_295730|title=Διακομματική συναίνεση υπέρ ανοιχτών σχολείων|publisher=]|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On Sunday 15th, ] current president of SYRIZA called an unscheduled press conference where he dismissed criticism and decried what he called "slanderous" statements against the recent protests, he also added that "] and its affiliated Parliamentary group, SYRIZA, are in an ideological conflict with the hooded gangs, because violence brings forth violence and leads to an impasse".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7132731&maindocimg=7012667&service=96|title=Leftist leader dismisses criticism|publisher=ANA|date=2008-12-15|accessdate=2008-12-15|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=7133250&maindocimg=6472832&service=99|title="Προτάσεις για τη νεολαία"|publisher=ANA|date=2008-12-15|accessdate=2008-12-15|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
=== Criticism of the media === | |||
On ], a photographer working for the newspaper ], who had taken on ] some snap-shots of a policeman targeting to protesters with his gun, was fired, as the paper's editor claimed he was responsible for the leakage of the photos in the Internet. The photographer claimed the photos were not any more in his possession in the time of the leak, said that the editor was unwilling to publish them and denounced his sack as an attempt of political censorship, while left-wing newspapers and websites noted the editor's pro-government stance during the riots.<ref name=tvxs.grTsironis>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvxs.gr/v1407 |title=Aποκλειστικό: Απολύθηκε ο φωτογράφος της καλύτερης εικόνας των ημερών|publisher=tvxs.gr|date=2008-12-10|accessdate=2009-01-03|language=Greek}}</ref><ref name=IOS>{{cite news|url=http://www.iospress.gr/mikro2008/mikro20081220.htm|title=Η κυριότητα της αλήθειας|publisher=]|date=2008-12-20|accessdate=2009-01-03|language=Greek}}</ref> The same newspaper received harsh criticism for misquoting ] in its front page of ]. <ref name=sarantakos>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarantakos.com/isocrat.htm|title=Το ψεύτικο ρητό του Ισοκράτη για την «αυτοκαταστροφή της δημοκρατίας»|publisher=Nikos Sarantakos|date=2008-12-10|accessdate=2009-01-03|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
On 13 December, the Greek National Council of Radio and Television informed all radio and television stations throughout the country that they should be careful in how they broadcast the news about the riots. The Council informed the stations mainly of the necessity of not showing scenes of extreme violence (in ways that might be interpreted as encouraging extreme anti-social behavior), to avoid acting as if they were judicial authorities, and to avoid showing in public documents and other elements that might be the subject of legal proceedings. The Council noted that "there is danger of breaking the broadcasting laws by the way of presenting the latest events."<ref name=ESR>{{cite news|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_13/12/2008_260157|title=Υπόδειξη ΕΣΡ προς ραδιοτηλεοπτικούς σταθμούς|publisher=]|date=2008-12-13|accessdate=2008-12-13|language=Greek}}</ref> | |||
== Financial consequences for the Greek economy == | |||
After the first days of demonstrations and the presentation of the 2009 ], that predicted solid economic growth in spite of the ], <ref>{{cite news |title=Greece passes budget despite labor opposition|url=http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/12/21/afx5848700.html|date=12 December 2008 |accessdate=19 December 2008}}</ref> the ] of the Greek 10 year ] had, by 12 December 2008, widened to 230 ] against the corresponding German Government bonds (Bundesanleihen), a level that represents the highest level for the past nine years and the highest since the country entered the ].<ref>{{cite news |first= ReporterNet.com |title= Greece: Bonds spread hits 9-yr high versus Bund on political uncertainty|date=12 December 2008 |accessdate=19 December 2008|quote=|url=http://www1.reporter.gr/default.asp?pid=16&la=2&art_aid=191258 | |||
}}</ref> This had an immediate effect on the cost of financing for Greece’s government; these costs rose considerably as a higher ] had to be paid on any bonds it sold. In addition, and given the credit crisis prevalent at the time, this curtailed its ability to issue ] at all since investors were more ] than normal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ekathimerini |last=English Edition|title= Riots push bond spreads wider |work= |page= |date=12 December 2008 |accessdate=20 December 2008|quote= |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_economy_0_12/12/2008_102950 }}</ref> | |||
Additionally, on Wednesday, 17 December 2008, the ] ] declared it would put Greece’s ], already the lowest in the Eurozone at A1, off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued.<ref>{{cite news |first= Daniel |last= Flynn |coauthors= |title= Greek riots to derail vital economic reforms |date=18 December 2008 |accessdate=19 December 2008|quote= Credit ratings agency Moody's said on Wednesday that, with reform stalled and debt servicing costing 11% of GDP, it would take Greece's A1 debt rating -- already the lowest in the euro zone -- off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued.|url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20081218/tpl-greek-riots-to-derail-vital-economic-39349ed.html }}</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
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* ] | |||
== References == | |||
{{English sources}} | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
== External links == | |||
{{commonscat-inline|2008 Greek riots}} | |||
*Boston Globe "The Big Picture" blog's | |||
*On the greek riots | |||
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Latest revision as of 17:40, 19 December 2024
Rebellion in response to the police killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos
2008 Greek rebellion | |
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Clockwise, from top left: riot police face protesters; police move in to contain rioting civilians; a protester defies police; burned-out vans; an abandoned barricade; and protesters retreat from tear gas | |
Date | 6 December 2008 — 17 January 2009 |
Location | Greece |
Caused by |
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Goals |
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Methods |
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Resulted in | Two special guards found guilty |
The 2008 Greek rebellion started on 6 December 2008, when Alexandros Grigoropoulos (Greek: Αλέξανδρος Γρηγορόπουλος), a 15-year-old Greek student, was killed by a special officer in Exarcheia district of central Athens. The killing of the young student by police resulted in large protests and demonstrations, which escalated to widespread rioting, with numerous rioters damaging property and engaging riot police with Molotov cocktails, stones and other objects. Demonstrations and rioting soon spread to several other cities, including Thessaloniki, the country's second-largest city, and international cities in solidarity. Newspaper Kathimerini called the rioting "the worst Greece has seen since the restoration of democracy in 1974".
While the unrest was triggered by the shooting incident, commentators described the reactions as expressing deeper causes as well, especially a widespread feeling of frustration in the younger generation about specific economic problems of the country (partly as a result of the Great Recession), a rising unemployment rate among the young generation and a perception of general inefficiency and corruption in Greek state institutions.
The shooting incident
The fatal shooting that triggered the riots and protests took place in the evening of 6 December 2008, shortly after 9 pm, in the Exarcheia district of central Athens.
According to press reports, two special guards (Ειδικοί Φρουροί) (a special category of the Greek police personnel, originally meant for guard duties on public property) had been engaged in a minor verbal clash with a small group of teenagers in a main street of Exarcheia, outside a shop. On driving away in their police car, they were then confronted by another small group at a nearby street crossing. The two guards were ordered by the Greek police center of operations to disengage immediately and withdraw from the confrontation site. However, the two guards did not comply and were later accused of insubordination. Instead, the two special guards chose to station their police vehicle outside the PASOK headquarters, left the car and went to Tzavella Street on foot, in order to confront the youngsters.
Following some exchange of verbal abuse that, according to several witnesses, was initiated by the guards, one fired his gun. The guards said that a group of youth had thrown stones and other items at them. Eyewitnesses who spoke to Greek media, however, reported that the special guards were not attacked by the youths, nor was their physical safety put in danger at any time. Instead, the special guards approached the group and verbally assaulted them in order to provoke them. The special guard said he fired three rounds, two warning shots in the air and a third aimed on the ground. Several eyewitnesses said they believed the policeman had directly targeted the youngsters.
The victim, Alexandros – Andreas Grigoropoulos (Greek: Αλέξανδρος – Ανδρέας Γρηγορόπουλος) was a 15-year-old student, who lived in the affluent northern Athens suburb of Palaio Psychiko and attended the private Moraitis School. Immediately following the shooting, he was transported to the nearby Evangelismos Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation of the shooting
A criminal investigation was initiated against the police officer who fired the shot, on a charge of murder ("intentional homicide" according to Greek law), while his partner was charged as an accomplice. Both were suspended from duty and were kept in detention. The defense counsel who was initially hired resigned shortly after accepting the case, citing personal reasons.
On 10 December, Alexis Kougias, counsel for the defendants, said that preliminary results of the ballistic tests apparently show that it was indeed a ricochet and that the two policemen will only appear before the public prosecutor after the forensic, toxicological, and ballistic examinations had been completed. However, the results of forensic tests indicated that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had entered the youth's body directly. This supported doubt on claims, by the 37-year-old policeman charged with the boy's murder, that the bullet had been fired as a warning and ricocheted. On the morning of 11 December, Dimitris Tsovolas, former MP and economic minister under the previous PASOK government, agreed to serve as the counsel for Grigoropoulos' family.
On the same day, counsel for the two policemen involved in the shooting released an explanatory statement, that described the deceased as demonstrating "deviant behaviour." According to the memorandum, Grigoropoulos was a teenager from a wealthy family, he frequented the Exarcheia district, had allegedly taken part in riotous activities that took place following the end of a basketball game two hours before he was shot, and that, in general, "the victim did not show the expected behaviour and personality of a 15-year-old adolescent." Grigoropoulos' family, friends, schoolmates and high school teachers immediately condemned those statements and declared in public that the allegations in the defendants' memorandum are "completely inaccurate" and "insulting"; the private school Grigoropoulos attended also issued a public statement that denies all the allegations. Kougias' stance, as well as his comments in the explanatory memorandum, forced the Athens bar association to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
On 15 December, Kougias appealed for the two defendants to be released from custody, on the grounds that neither of them ever had any previous criminal convictions, that their names and addresses were known, that they had considerable ties with their community, and that the charges were based on the testimony of witnesses that the defendants objected to. Specifically, the defendants' counsel took issue with the testimony of four eyewitnesses who had testified for the public prosecutor, and appeared to refute almost all the claims made by the defendants and their counsel.
On 17 December, Dimitris Tsovolas, counsel for Grigoropoulos' family, publicly requested that the defendants and defendants' counsel stop provoking the Greek people and the victim's family by making degrading comments, unsubstantiated accusations, and smearing the memory of Alexandros. The ballistics report was also released on 17 December and stated that the bullet that killed Grigoropoulos had in fact ricocheted. However, forensic reports conducted on 21 December concluded that the bullet was not fired in the air, but rather towards the group of teenagers, though there may have been no intention to kill the boy.
Court decision
On 11 October 2010, the Mixed Jury Court of Amfissa (consisting of 3 judges and 4 jurors) found the two special guards guilty. Epaminondas Korkoneas was found guilty of "homicide with direct intention to cause harm" and Vasilis Saraliotis was found guilty as an accomplice. Korkoneas was sentenced to lifetime and an additional 15 months of imprisonment (votes 4–3) while Saraliotis was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment (votes 6–1). In July 2019, the life sentence against Korkoneas was overturned on appeal and reduced to 13 years imprisonment, and Korkoneas was subsequently released from prison.
The riots and political crisis
First 2 days
Within the hour following the shooting of Grigoropoulοs, angry demonstrators took to the streets in and around Exarcheia, and violent confrontations with the police erupted. Meanwhile, similar demonstrations were reported in other Greek cities as well, including Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Komotini, Kastoria, Patras, Tripoli, Volos, Chios, Trikala, Mytilene, Agrinio, Kavala, Corfu, Piraeus, Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes, Karditsa, Lamia, Stylida, Drama, Xanthi, Lagkadas, Kozani, Alexandroupoli, Larisa and Corinth. After midnight, the demonstrations in Athens turned into violent rioting in some central streets of the city. By dawn on Sunday, 24 police officers had been injured, one seriously (with facial burns and his little finger mutilated) and 31 shops (particularly across Ermou Street), 9 banks, and 25 cars had been either seriously damaged, burned, or destroyed within the downtown area.
First week
By Sunday 7 December 2008 38 vehicles were damaged, 13 police officers were injured, and 22 rioters were arrested.
Monday 8 December 2008 saw police assess damage as daily schedules resumed and rioting subsided. However, all was not quiet, as all over Greece, several thousands of high school students walked out of their schools and marched on local police stations, throwing eggs, paint bombs, and water bottles. Protesters continued to occupy university campuses around the nation, while organizations such as the Communist Party of Greece announced plans for protests later that day. The massive demonstrations of that evening were confronted by police using tear gas; during the demonstrations, some 11 public buildings around the central plaza of Athens, Syntagma Square, were set on fire.
Students around Greece proceeded to occupy their school buildings, in protest, including in Serres, Imathia, Chalkidiki, Pieria, and Thessaloniki. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the National Technical University of Athens, as well as the Athens University of Economics and Business remained under student occupation. Rioters also set fire to the Kostis Palamas building that led to the total destruction of the European Law Library situated at the corner of Akadimias and Sina street. After the fire, the rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Christos Kittas, resigned, but some days later withdrew his resignation.
A police report released Tuesday, 9 December 2008 in the morning put the numbers of injured police officers at 12, arrested rioters at 87, and persons who had been brought before a public prosecutor at 176. Some citizens began to act against the rioters, attacking people that were found looting and were seen throwing stones to protect their belongings. In the city of Patras, according to the city's mayor, members of far-left organizations took part in the violence. In Athens, seven police officers were injured, four rioters were arrested for violence against the police, 12 were arrested for theft and 55 were arrested for rioting with another 25 people of non-Greek nationality arrested for the same reason. In a report on Tuesday, Amnesty International accused the Greek Police of brutality in handling the riots. The Greek department of Amnesty International canceled the scheduled celebrations on 10 December for the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in response to the police violence in Greece.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday 10 December 2008 when the General Confederation of Greek Workers (ΓΣΕΕ) and the Civil Servants' Confederation (ΑΔΕΔΥ), representing 2.5 million workers or roughly half of the total Greek workforce, called a one-day general strike in protest against the government's economic policies. Rioting continued in Athens as thousands of workers gathered for anti-government protests at Syntagma Square.
On Thursday, 11 December 2008 4,000 students marched against the police, with many protesters throwing firebombs at the officers.
On Friday, 12 December 2008 students attacked police outside the parliament building. Riot police fired tear gas in response. Heavy rain helped curtail demonstrations compared to previous days. The protests inspired small protests in some European cities, sowing fears of copycat riots elsewhere. On the same day, Greek police issued an appeal for more tear gas after supplies ran low, since more than 4,600 capsules of it were released against the protestors by that time.
On Saturday, 13 December 2008 large groups of demonstrators gathered in front of the Greek Parliament in central Athens. Despite the fact that the protest in front of the Greek parliament was relatively peaceful, the riot police attempted to dissolve it at 1:30 (local time) by using tear gas and violence. On the same day, about 100 protesters firebombed a police station near the Exarcheia district where Alexandros Grigoropoulos [tr; pt] was killed.
On Sunday, 14 December 2008 students joined residents of the Exarcheia district to demand the renaming of that street in honour of the dead teenager. Also, at least four radio stations based in Athens were occupied by protesters. In Thessaloniki, students demonstrated in solidarity with all the people who were arrested as a result of rioting over the past week.
Second week
On Monday, 15 December 2008 students gathered outside the Attica General Police Directorate in central Athens. The riot police chose to dissolve the protest through violence after some of the demonstrators threw eggs against one riot police squad. Many of the demonstrators were of school-age. Several newspapers report that the protesters were provoked by policemen. In Piraeus, approximately 300 students rallied outside the local Korydallos Prison and taunted the police who fired tear gas to disperse them. According to teachers' unions, some 600 schools were under occupation, while 150 university facilities across the country had been taken over according to the Greek Ministry of Education. In Ioannina, the local public radio station was occupied by students and far-leftist groups. Rallies and demonstrations have also taken place in Chania, Heraklion, Larissa and Thessaloniki.
On Tuesday, 16 December 2008 rallies and protests took place outside many police stations in Athens and Piraeus. Early in the afternoon, masked youths emerged from the university complex in Zografou and firebombed nearby Athens' riot police headquarters. Six police officers were injured and ten vehicles were burnt. Meanwhile, a group of around 30 protesters infiltrated the studios of public broadcaster ERT and interrupted a news broadcast featuring Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. For about a minute, the protesters stood in front of the camera holding banners reading "Stop watching, get out into the streets." ERT Chairman Christos Panagopoulos tendered his resignation over the incident but it was rejected by the government. "It is unacceptable for unidentified individuals to deprive others of their right to information," he said.
On Wednesday, 17 December 2008 a rally was held outside the capital's main courthouses, where youths threw eggs and fruit at the police. There was also one demonstration organised by the All-Workers Militant Front (ΠΑΜΕ) in central Athens from Omonoia Square to the Greek Parliament, drawing around 5000 people. Student protesters evaded security guards at the Acropolis of Athens and unfurled two giant pink banners over a wall near the Parthenon to rally support for continued demonstrations. "Thursday 18/12 demonstrations in all Europe," one banner read, while the other simply bore the message, "Resistance," in Greek, English, Spanish and German. "We chose this monument to democracy, this global monument, to proclaim our resistance to state violence and demand rights in education and work," "(We did it) to send a message globally and to all Europe." said the protestors. Government spokesman, Evangelos Antonaros, said this protest was "inexcusable" and accused the protesters of tarnishing Greece's image abroad. In Kaisariani, near the riot police headquarters that were targeted by youths on Tuesday, a group of Protesters torched a police bus. The only person in the bus, the driver, managed to escape unhurt. In another protest, about 40 people – including workers, immigrants and unemployed citizens – occupied the offices of the country's main labor union, the General Confederation of Greek Workers (ΓΣΕΕ). The union's president, Giannis Panagopoulos, said the protest was mistargeted: "The GSEE does not govern this country". A protest was also held outside the Prefecture of Thessaloniki offices and the Ministry for Macedonia–Thrace which is also based in Thessaloniki. Late that night, a homemade explosive device planted outside a branch of Eurobank in the Thessaloniki district of Kalamaria damaged the building's facade when it detonated. A similar device smashed the windows of a local Citizens' Information and Service Center (ΚΕΠ). In Ioannina, the town hall was occupied, while in Chania, a local television station remained under occupation by protesters for about 1 hour.
On Thursday, 18 December 2008 demonstrations took place in central Athens, more than 12,000 protesters crowded the streets near the Greek parliament in a peaceful demonstration in central Athens which turned violent when a group of protesters broke away from the rally and threw rocks and firebombs at police and buildings near Parliament, overturned a car and set fire to trash cans, splashed the police with red paint and tried to burn down the city's main Christmas tree which had just been replaced after being torched during the previous week's riots. The police responded with tear gas and flash grenades, and drove the rioters back toward the administrative headquarters of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the university's School of Law, Economics and Political Sciences. After another round of pitched battles between masked rioters and the police, several hundred protesters entered the School of Law, Economics and Political Sciences. Christmas shoppers fled the streets and retailers rolled down their shutters as protesters smashed store fronts and burned at least four cars. Demonstrations also took place in Thessaloniki where protesters gathered outside the Ministry for Macedonia–Thrace. Rallies and protests also took place in Patras, Tripoli, Chania and Trikala. Some labour unions stopped work in solidarity with the demonstrators. The work stoppage by the air traffic controllers forced Olympic Airlines to cancel 28 flights and postpone 14. Hospitals were also operating with very limited staff.
On Friday, 19 December 2008 a protest took place outside the Greek parliament, and a solidarity concert outside the administrative building of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. More than 1500 people demonstrated peacefully in the western suburb of Athens, Peristeri following another shooting of a 16-year-old on Wednesday, 17 December, night. The teenager was struck in the hand by a bullet fired by an unidentified assailant while sitting in a park, outside a local high school with friends. The police admitted that they had made a mistake in their initial statement that the boy was hit by an air-gun pellet. Tests revealed it was either a .38 Special or .357 Magnum bullet. Officers are investigating the incident, anxious to disprove rumors that an off-duty or undercover policeman fired the shot. A police spokesman said that no officers were in the area at the time of the shooting and an investigation was under way. Masked youths attacked the French Institute in Athens with firebombs, "Spark in Athens. Fire in Paris. Insurrection is coming," read one graffiti spray-painted onto the building's walls in French. Another, written in Greek, read "France, Greece, uprising everywhere". Later on Friday, about 50 protesters interrupted the official premiere of the Greek National Theater, holding up banners urging people to join the demonstrations.
On Saturday, 20 December 2008 about 150 youth attacked the Christmas tree at Syntagma Square in central Athens, at around 16.00, hanging trash bags from its branches before clashing with riot police. The square was cleared within two hours. At least three news photographers were injured by police batons. The Christmas tree protest was organized among of a worldwide day of events to commemorate Grigoropoulos' shooting. The same day, masked men firebombed the offices of Tiresias SA, a debtor recordkeeper, destroying the office. Rioters, using the National Technical University of Athens as a base, launched attacks against police, throwing rocks and petrol bombs and erecting roadblocks. In Thessaloniki a group of Protesters briefly occupied a radio station and a theater before disrupting and threw cakes and candy at Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and one of his deputies during an open-air charity event near the theater. Later, a group emerged from the same theater and attacked a Nativity scene, throwing away Christ's figure.
On Sunday, 21 December 2008 in the early hours of the morning, unidentified hood-wearing assailants threw petrol bombs at the police academy in the west Athens district of Nea Philadelphia six police vehicles were torched, without causing any casualties. The vehicles that were parked outside the building of the police accounting department at Patriarchou Constantinou street, also suffered damage in the attack. At around the same time, rioting and clashes with riot police continued in the area around the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Thessaloniki, with protesters again lobbing petrol bombs at police.
Third week
On Tuesday, 23 December 2008 more than 3,000 chanting protesters marched through Athens. During the demonstration, one police car was damaged. At 05:50 local time, shots were fired at a riot police bus in Athens near the riot police headquarters in Zografou. None of the 19 officers on board were injured, authorities said, but the attack raised concern that violence against police could escalate. The shots were fired from the grounds of the National Technical University of Athens's facilities in Zografou, known as Polytechnioupolis. One bullet blew out two tires on the bus, while another struck the engine. The police found 7.62 mm caliber bullet casings at the scene of the shooting. After ballistic examinations, it was announced that there were at least two shooters who used Kalashnikov type rifles and that the particular weapons used in the attack had not been used in any other attack, robbery, or other criminal incident in Greece.
On Wednesday, 24 December 2008, hundreds of Protesters marched through Athens streets in a peaceful protest.
On Thursday, 25 December 2008, in central Athens and the suburb of Palaio Faliron there was a string of arson attacks against banks and car dealerships, causing widespread damage but no injuries. There was also an attack against the offices of the Ministry for Development in the city center. Arsonists also targeted the car of Deputy Environment and Public Works Minister, Stavros Kaloyiannis, outside his home in the northwestern town of Ioannina, destroying the vehicle. The assailants doused the wheels of the parked car with flammable liquid before setting it alight, according to the fire service.
Aftermath
By Wednesday 31 December 2008 the occupation of Greek universities in Athens and Thessaloniki had ended and the administrative officials had begun assessing the cost of damage done during the occupation.
On Thursday, 1 January 2009 arsonists attacked 10 banks and two car dealerships around Athens and Piraeus amidst the New Year celebrations. No injuries or arrests were reported by the police. The attacks caused minor damage. At least five arson attacks were also reported by police in Thessaloniki; earlier that day police also briefly clashed with protesters, and fired tear gas at rock throwing demonstrators.
In the early morning of Monday, 5 January 2009 at least two masked gunmen fired over 20 rounds at a riot police unit guarding the Greek Ministry of Culture in central Athens, hitting a 21-year-old officer in the chest and groin. The officer had apparently spotted the gunmen and warned his colleagues shortly before he was hit. An automatic Kalashnikov rifle and an MP5 submachine gun were used in the attack, also a fragmentation grenade was used as a diversion as the perpetrators escaped. The wounded policeman, identified as Diamandis Matzounis, was in a critical, but stable, condition in hospital after six hours of surgery. Authorities said they had cordoned off the region around the site of the attack to collect evidence for forensic examination. At least 72 people were detained during the initial search for suspects. Police said ballistics tests showed the MP5 matched one used in a 30 April 2007, attack on a police station in Athens suburb Nea Ionia. That attack caused no injuries but was claimed by the far-left Revolutionary Struggle group. Police also said ballistics tests showed that a second weapon used on Monday, a Kalashnikov rifle, was used in the more recent attack on police, on 23 December 2008. On Wednesday 14 January 2009 Revolutionary Struggle sent a statement to the weekly satirical newspaper, To Pontiki. The statement said the group carried out 23 December shooting attack and the separate 5 January shooting at the police officers. By Monday, 19 January 2009 Diamantis Matzounis The 21-year-old police officer seriously injured in the attack of 5 January 2009 was removed from intensive care following an improvement in his condition. Doctors said Diamantis Mantzounis had to undergo two operations to staunch a stomach hemorrhage caused by a bullet wound, but he has managed to recuperate.
On Friday, 9 January 2009 a long-planned education protest march took place in Athens. The rally was organized to coincide with the anniversary of the 1991 murder of high school teacher Nikos Temponeras by the secretary of the Patras youth organization of the, back then, ruling New Democracy (Greece) party, participants said they protest against police repression, corrupt politicians, the education reform and a social system that offers little hope, it was one of two held in the capital but it was the only one that turned violent. The trouble began after the rally by several thousand schoolchildren, teachers and students had almost reached its end, near the entrance to University of Athens where it had started. When hooded youths broke away from the student march and threw stones and flares at riot police, who fired tear gas and flash grenades. The youths then turned on police, hurling rocks and flares. At one point a group of protesters tried to force their way into the rector's office and to occupy the central offices of the University of Athens. The occupation of the University's offices was obstructed by groups of students and academics. According to rector Christos Kittas, police officers did not ask for university immunity to be lifted so that they could gain access to the faculty. Clashes continued in the area which was closed to traffic and where hundreds of demonstrators remained for an hour. There were repeated police charges and several arrests were made. Some 60 persons were arrested with several demonstrators severely injured in clashes with police. Between those arrested were fourteen lawyers, who said that they had nothing to do with the protest, also several people sustained minor injuries and one was hospitalized. Afterwards the influential Journalists' Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA) protested to the Ministry for the Interior and Public Order about "the brutal attacks and beatings" to which reporters and camera crews had been subjected by some riot police units. "There may have been excesses to be condemned, we are looking into the issue, but the police did their job," Minister for the Interior and Public Order Prokopis Pavlopoulos told Greek television. Later that evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the capital's central police headquarters on Alexandras Avenue, leading to some tense scuffles with officers. But the crowd had dispersed by late night, according to police who did not report any additional problems.
Protests were carried on Thursday, 15 January, policemen labor unionists also took part in the demonstrations "to condemn the violent phenomena, from wherever they come, and to state categorically that social problems are not solved by repressive measures". Veteran politician Manolis Glezos who took part in the protest, attributed police violence to the obedience of police forces to the executive power and not the judiciary.
On Friday, 16 January some of the lawyers arrested on Friday's demonstration in Athens, filed suits against police officers accusing them for breach of duty, attempted bodily harm and unnecessarily exposing of people to tear gas.
On Saturday, 17 January a demonstration was held in Larissa, where more than three thousand people protested against the anti-terrorism act and requested the withdrawal of the charges and the release of four jailed students, who were arrested during the demonstrations of December 2008. Larissa was the only city where the act was applied last month when twenty five teenagers were arrested. At the same time protesters of a separate rally also in Larissa destroyed bank cameras and wrote slogans on walls, churches and supermarkets.
The death of Alexandros and the subsequent events galvanized many in Athens including Protester bank robber and hunger-striker Nikos Romanos who was with Alexis on the night of the murder, reporting that he had died in his arms.
Background and causes
Grigoropoulos's killing happened during a period where the Greek society faced a variety of difficulties in the midst of a worldwide economic slump. In a survey conducted shortly after the events for the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, 60% of the respondents considered them to be part of a wider "social uprising". Many people were concerned with corruption scandals, most of which involved mishandling of public money, the spread of poverty, the increasing rate of unemployment amongst young graduates and the slowing economy during Great Recession. The local student community—which formed the main body of protesters—had also been in significant turmoil since 2006, being opposed to a series of proposed laws regarding the reform of the country's education system. Many of the student demonstrations in relation to these laws in early 2007 turned violent and resulted in clashes with the police, though the perpetrators of the incidents of violence and vandalism, then as in December 2008, should not be necessarily identified with the students.
As in many other countries, young Greeks are faced with expensive studies.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned that there was a risk of social unrest spreading unless the financial sector shared wealth more evenly. Greece had recently proposed to go through with €28 bn of cash injections to its banking system while at the same time leaving medicine suppliers unpaid.
Greece also suffers from one of the highest levels of public debt in the EU, with foreign debt valued at 93.9% of projected 2008 GDP and 16% of revenue in 2009 projected to go towards servicing this debt.
First commemoration of the shooting incident
On Saturday, 5 December 2009 a large crowd gathered at the place where Grigoropoulos was shot, ahead of Sunday's scheduled demonstration, with no reported clashes. However, Police had detained 160 people following minor clashes in central Athens. Police, also, made a preemptive raid on an Protesters hangout in Keratsini near Piraeus on Saturday night detaining 22 people, including Albanian, Italian and Spanish citizens. They discovered some 200 empty bottles they believe were going to be used to make Molotov cocktails, two jerry cans of fuel, two hammers, three sledgehammers, three helmets, 13 gas masks and a stun grenade. They also seized a computer. Two of the people arrested were the son and daughter of Panhellenic Socialist Movement MP and deputy parliamentary speaker Grigoris Niotis. "I have total faith in Greek justice, just as I trust my children," said Niotis.
On Sunday, 6 December 2009 at 11:30 pm a memorial gathering, at the cemetery where 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos is buried, took place in the presence of his family and was attended by hundreds of people including the Greek Minister of Education. Later that day, several thousand demonstrators marched in central Athens and other cities across Greece and Europe to commemorate the death of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos at about. However the protest in Athens was followed by scenes reminiscent of those that followed Grigoropoulos's death, as several hundred protesters remained holed up in the grounds of the University of Athens and the city's Law School and used the two institutions as their bases, they clashed from roughly 6 pm and for about three hours with thousands of police who had been deployed in the city center to ensure that the anniversary of the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos passed as peacefully as possible. Authorities said 134 people were detained for public order offenses in Athens and 80 in the northern city of Thessaloniki, where a similar demonstration also ended in violence, with youths throwing petrol bombs at police and setting fire to cars. At least five protesters and 16 police officers were injured during the clashes. Including one female demonstrator, who was severely injured by a policeman when he struck her with his motorbike. The rector of the University of Athens, Christos Kittas, was hospitalized after protesters stormed into his office. Kittas was struck on the head and was taken to the Ippocrateio Hospital, where doctors placed him in intensive care, saying that he had suffered a heart ischemia. According to the witness of two contributors of the magazine, Occupied London, the director leaving the area had no blood on his head, and the story of his heart attack was fabricated as a "pretext for a full-on attack on the academic asylum".
The series of protests and riots continued months later with the May 2010 Greek protests.
Reactions
Domestic response
The Greek government condemned the shooting. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis wrote a letter to the student's family, stating that "In these difficult moments please accept my condolences for the unfair loss of your son. Like all Greeks I am deeply saddened. I know that nothing can relieve your pain." He continued on to write that "the state will see to it that such a tragedy does not happen again." On a nationally broadcast statement, he also vowed to end the "dangerous" extremist-inspired riots that have hit the country:
The unacceptable and dangerous events cannot and will not be tolerated, the extremist elements who exploited the tragedy ... by showing that their only goal was to spread violence. The state will protect its citizens and society ... It is the least of the tributes we owe Alexandros.
On 8 December he declared that he had ordered the finance ministry to offer "quick and full compensation" to Greek people whose buildings have been damaged in the riots.
President Karolos Papoulias sent condolences in a telegram, while Interior minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos expressed "deep sorrow". The police, who claimed that an investigation was underway into the "isolated" incident, also apologized.
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) attributed the killing of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos to the result of escalating authoritarianism, reinforcement of the suppression mechanisms and their action, the network of reactionary laws and the "Euro-terror laws" created by the governments of ND and PASOK. The KKE has stated that the riots and the destruction is the work of foreign agents acting as provocateurs. The leader of the KKE, Aleka Papariga, called for organized struggle against the main politics that it will be well guarded against suspicious command centers. The Panhellenic Socialist Movement stated that people "must answer the government's policies en masse and peacefully".
From Moscow, where he attended Patriarch Alexy II's funeral, Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens called on everyone to face the crisis and the problems ahead with co-operation and not with destruction. Also in an interview on 13 December, the Archbishop added that the "youths are not enraged for no reason" and stated his belief that the effects of the Great Recession coupled with the large unemployment rate are the causes of this violent outburst.
On 10 December, Prime Minister Karamanlis announced 7 governmental measures to aid the large number of Greek businesses that were damaged by the rioters, also aiding businesses that are undamaged. The Prime Minister stated that the commercial world of the country faced the destructive mania and the raw violence of extremist groups. "The government", he said, "will ensure the sentiment of public safety and support all damaged businesses.
The General Federation of Professional Tradesmen and Traders of Greece saluted the measures and agreed with the direction that the measures were headed in.
On 12 December, Vice-Minister of the Interior Panagiotis Chinofotis, as a political leader of the Greek Police, said that he felt that he had to ask for forgiveness for the shooting incident and the resulting death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, since neither the defendant nor the defendant's lawyer did so.
On 16 December, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis speaking to New Democracy (Greece)'s parliamentary group, condemned the killing of the 15-year-old by the policeman, while calling for all parties to isolate rioters. He also acknowledged that "Long-unresolved problems, such as the lack of meritocracy, corruption in everyday life and a sense of social injustice disappoint young people". Karamanlis said income-tax cuts will go ahead. But he warned against high expectations, saying Greece will spend €12 billion, about 5% of GDP, just to service its national debt. "Our top priority is to support those hurt the most ... (but) this debt is a huge burden that reduces the government's flexibility at this critical time".
International response and demonstrations abroad
- Argentina: In Argentina 50 students show their protests. On 13 December a small group of students gathered outside the Greek embassy in Buenos Aires to express their solidarity and to condemn the shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos.
- Australia: Australia warned tourists of possible violent demonstrations.
- Austria: Approximately 1200 demonstrators protested outside the Greek embassy in Vienna.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Demonstrations took place in front of Greek embassy in Sarajevo by students of University of Sarajevo.
- Canada: In Vancouver, Protesters broke the windows and tagged a bank in solidarity with the rioters. In Montreal, a rally in solidarity with the rioters is held in front of the Greek consulate on 16 December.
- China: China expressed concern about the safety of its nationals living in Greece.
- Cyprus: Riots, demonstrations and clashes also spread to Cyprus. The riots began around midday on 8 December 2008 in the capital Nicosia and the western city of Paphos. In Paphos, student protesters gathered around the city's town hall and the police headquarters where they began verbally abusing the Cypriot police. The protesters also starting throwing rocks at the building, injuring at least one police officer. These violent clashes were met with the arrest of two students. In the city of Larnaca, hundreds of students gathered at the police headquarters where they engaged in demonstrations and "scuffles" in response to the events in Athens. On 10 December, Cyprus Airways cancelled a number of flights to both mainland Greece and islands, including to Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion, due to the outbreak of strikes by air traffic controllers and other airport workers.
- Denmark: 63 people were arrested in Copenhagen when their protests in support of the Greek rioters allegedly turned violent.
- France: Protesters entered the Greek consulate in Paris, France. The symbolic occupation was peaceful. 3000 demonstrators also gathered outside the Greek embassy in Paris and scuffled with police before partly blocking the Champs-Élysées, the most prestigious avenue in Paris. In Bordeaux, a city in the south of the country, demonstrators set cars alight outside the Greek consulate and wrote graffiti about a coming 'insurrection'.
- Germany: On the night of 7 December 2008 and during the following week, spontaneous demonstrations of solidarity took place in numerous German cities, both by left-wing groups of Greek university students studying abroad and local leftist activists. In the first week after the incident, the German Indymedia network had reported demonstrations in 26 German cities, with participation ranging from a few dozen to several hundred people, among the biggest being Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Hanover, Bremen, Leipzig, Dresden, and Nuremberg. On 8 December 2008, a group of demonstrators occupied the Greek consulate in Berlin: 240 people pushed their way into the lobby of the consulate at Wittenbergplatz in western Berlin at around 9:40 am local time. One of the demonstrators told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the demonstration was in protest against a Greek state that was responsible for the death of the teenager. The occupation ultimately ended peacefully. On 20 December German riot police confronted an estimated 950 protesters in Hamburg who were expressing their sympathy for student protesters in Greece by marching under the banner of "Solidarity is a weapon." The German police reported that the protest actions were broken up after they escalated to rioting.
- Ireland: Over two dozen people in the capital city, Dublin, picketed the Greek embassy in protest at the shooting and in solidarity with the protests. A second solidarity event was held after the call-out for international solidarity from those partaking in the events in Greece. Activists from the Workers Solidarity Movement, along with members of the Greek community in Ireland and individual activists, marched to the Greek embassy from St Stephen's Green with banners proclaiming 'RESIST THE POLICE: MURDERERS IN UNIFORM' 'OUR LIVES DO NOT BELONG TO THE STATE' and 'REMEMBER THE DEAD – FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING' The activists marched down a main-road behind these banners, at the height of the Christmas shopping period. The embassy had been attacked at some stage before the demonstration, and its front walls were covered in red paint. Two windows were also broken in the attack. When the rally arrived it was addressed by a Greek Protesters living in Ireland.
- Italy: Related graffiti were found in Turin near the Greek consulate. Many activists demonstrated in front of the Greek consulate in Bologna. (Again one year later on 11 December 2009 during a students demonstration red paint was thrown against military police in front of the Greek consulate in Bologna) Demonstrations took place also in Florence and in front of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine Studies in Venice. In Rome, demonstrators burned a garbage bin and threw fire crackers and rocks at police cars trying to stop them from reaching the Greek embassy.
- Luxembourg: Around thirty protesters marched through Luxembourg's city centre on Saturday 20 December 2008 afternoon to show solidarity with young people in Greece. The group assembled at 15:30 in the Place Guillaume and followed a route through the city centre to the Greek Embassy. Although the group disrupted traffic at times, the police reported no disturbances. the group dispersed around 6 pm.
- Portugal: Some demonstrations were held in the city of Lisbon and Amadora, on 20 December, the international day of solidarity with Greece.
- North Macedonia: Around 20 activists gathered in front of the Greek embassy in a peaceful protest in support of the Greek demonstrators. Protests were taken in front of the Greek Embassy in Skopje on 14 December and at the main square of Skopje on 18 December.
- Romania: Around 20 people protested in front of the Greek Consulate in Bucharest. Three were detained. The protest included a die-in.
- Russia: The Greek embassy in Moscow was targeted by firebombers. As a result, the Russian police increased security measures around the embassy. On 13 December about 30 activists of "Left Front" participated in a demonstration of solidarity. Approximately 15 people were arrested.
- Serbia: In Serbia, there was an attack on the Greek embassy, where several molotovs were thrown through windows and interior and exterior walls were vandalised in support for the Greek protesters. Six protesters were arrested and tried for "vandalism and terrorism". All of them received 6-month sentences, but were later acquitted because of a lack of evidence against them.
- Spain: In Spain, 11 demonstrators were arrested and several policemen injured in clashes in Madrid and Barcelona. Attacks on a police station and a bank by Spanish youths in Madrid and Barcelona also fueled concern about copy-cat protests. In Seville, a relatively small concentration of people in front of a police station was announced for 10 December, in the evening, since the day before, turning into a spontaneous demonstration of over 100 people through the streets. Slogans were chanted denouncing the repressive role of the police and State, labelled as "assassin", "violent", "repressor" and "terrorist", as well as for solidarity with Alexandros Grigoropoulos and Greek riots.
- Sweden: In Stockholm, approximately 50 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos outside the Greek embassy.
- Switzerland: In Zürich, approximately 120 demonstrators protested the killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos and police violence and expressed their support to the demonstrators in Greece.
- Netherlands: Solidarity demonstrations took place in The Hague, Amsterdam, Nijmegen and Leiden. Approximately 200 demonstrators took part in each of these largely peaceful demonstrations.
- Turkey: A dozen left-wing demonstrators daubed red paint on the Greek consulate in Istanbul. Also a large demonstration was organised on 11 December by the EMEP. Protesters attacked to the Greek consulate building with red paint and broke into the building.
- United Kingdom: Britain warned tourists of possibly violent demonstrations. On 8 December 2008 in London, up to a hundred protesters clashed with police after trying to storm the Greek embassy in London. A group of Protesters tore down the Greek flag from the building in Holland Park and set it on fire. The police had been called to deal with "about 30" young protesters that seemed to be mostly students. Two protests were held in Edinburgh, on 8 and 10 December, both involving protest marches up to Castle Street.
- United States: On 10 December, the Greek consulate in New York was defaced with black graffiti, and a rock was thrown at one of the windows. On 11 December 50 people in Olympia, the capital of the state of Washington, marched in solidarity with the Greek revolt. Bank windows were smashed, resulting in one arrest. On 17 December, students at The New School in New York City occupied a university building, demanding the resignation of several members of the administration and greater power in university administration, both in solidarity with the Greek students and in protest of the current economy. The students stated that they were inspired by and stood in solidarity with the civil unrest in Greece. In San Francisco, a protest ended in five arrests after protesters attacked businesses at Westfield Mall. In St. Louis, Missouri six people were arrested at a protest that blocked traffic. In Boston, Massachusetts, there was a solidarity demonstration outside the Greek consulate. In Providence, Rhode Island, about thirty people marched through the streets in a funeral procession in solidarity with the uprising in Greece as well as against the war in Gaza.
Criticism
Criticism of the Government
On 10 December the Communist Party of Greece's Central Committee released a written statement where they said that "an effort is being made by the bourgeoisie state, the ND government to utilise the blind violence of the hooded people, which we are witnessing mainly through the television channels, to check the swelling wave of discontent and popular intervention that is developing."
On 12 December, PASOK leader George Papandreou speaking before his party's political council members blamed the ruling New Democracy government for the recent violent street protests in Athens and other parts of the country. He held the government solely responsible for everything taking place in the country, stated that "the government itself is the problem" and called for early elections so that, the Greek people will be able to provide a clear mandate.
On the same day, MP Adonis Georgiades of the Popular Orthodox Rally accused the political leadership of the Greek police for giving orders to the riot police not to intervene effectively to stop the riots at their initial stage. Also Popular Orthodox Rally proposed a project that anyone hooded should be arrested, to stop university asylum, ban protests and review the role of the army, in order to stop the riots.
In a meeting with police labor unionists, Alekos Alavanos the parliamentary leader of Synaspismos criticised the government for using the riot police as their own "army", he also, asked for an inter-party committee to examine the responsibilities and rights of the Greek police, whereas Alexis Tsipras, the president of Synaspismos, declared that the situation is indeed very grim and that the Greek government needs to find solutions for the actual causes of this "new social phenomenon".
Criticism of the Coalition of the Radical Left
Aleka Papariga, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Greece, called the leadership of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) to "stop patting the hooded rioters on the back". Georgios Karatzaferis, president of the Popular Orthodox Rally, also stated that "there are some political powers that are serious, and some that pat them on the back ...". Alexis Tsipras, SYRIZA president, replied "we don't pat them on the back, and we don't take the role of the state's prosecutor either". He attacked the Communist Party, describing it as a conservative power that is disturbed when the youth spontaneously storm the streets. He also stated that the young people of the country have reached a deadlock, and this deadlock and their problems force them to the streets.
On Thursday 11th, Georgios Karatzaferis referred to a press release of the newspaper "Adesmeutos Typos" which, he claimed, had an MP of the Coalition supporting "the terrorism" instead of condemning the riots. Alekos Alavanos replied that, "Some have lost sense of what they say and what antidemocratic consequences their sayings might bring". On Friday 12th, in the parliament, MPs of both ruling New Democracy and the PASOK opposition criticised SYRIZA for not condemning the riots, and for Alexis Tsipras's statement that "the struggle must be moved in the schools".
On Sunday 15th, Alexis Tsipras current president of SYRIZA called an unscheduled press conference where he dismissed criticism and decried what he called "slanderous" statements against the recent protests, he also added that "Synaspismos and its affiliated Parliamentary group, SYRIZA, are in an ideological conflict with the hooded gangs, because violence brings forth violence and leads to an impasse".
Criticism of the media
'Breaking news' bulletins and other mass media accounts of the shooting reported that an unprovoked attack had taken place against the police, favoring a narrative of 'riots in Exarcheia' that sidelined or trivialized the death of Alexandros Grigoropoulos. However, the existence of eyewitness video footage of the event and its circulation along with other alternative accounts on social media, changed the predominant perception from one of an (Protesters) attack against police officers in the 'notorious' neighborhood of Exarcheia to one of a 'rogue' policeman killing a kid. Nevertheless, media coverage uncritically reproduced the initial police report and persisted in promoting a flawed scenario of the events when the 'awkward facts' were clear to most people.
On 9 December, a photographer working for the newspaper Eleftheros Typos, who had taken on 7 December some snap-shots of a policeman targeting protesters with his gun, was fired, as the paper's editor claimed he was responsible for the leakage of the photos in the Internet. The photographer claimed the photos were not any more in his possession in the time of the leak, said that the editor was unwilling to publish them and denounced his sack as an attempt of political censorship, while left-wing newspapers and websites noted the editor's pro-government stance during the riots. The same newspaper received harsh criticism for misquoting Isocrates in its front page of 10 December.
The Greek National Council for Radio and Television cautioned the country's broadcast media stations in their coverage of the riots.
Financial consequences for the Greek economy
See also: Greek government-debt crisisAfter the first days of demonstrations and the presentation of the 2009 state budget that predicted solid economic growth in spite of the Great Recession, the spread of the Greek 10-year Government bonds had, by 12 December 2008, widened to 230 basis points against the corresponding German Government bonds (Bundesanleihen), a level that represents the highest level for the past nine years and the highest since the country entered the eurozone. This had an immediate effect on the cost of financing for Greece's government; these costs rose considerably as a higher yield had to be paid on any bonds it sold. In addition, and given the credit crisis prevalent at the time, this curtailed its ability to issue bonds at all since investors were more risk averse than normal.
Additionally, on Wednesday, 17 December 2008, the credit rating agency Moody's declared it would put Greece's credit rating, already the lowest in the Eurozone at A1, off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued.
See also
- 1981 England riots
- 1992 Los Angeles riots
- 2001 Argentina riots
- 2005 civil unrest in France
- 2006 Dublin riots
- 2006 youth protests in France
- 2011 England riots
- 2013 protests in Turkey
- 2014 Ferguson unrest
- 2021 Greek protests
- George Floyd protests
- Anarchism in Greece
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Credit ratings agency Moody's said on Wednesday that, with reform stalled and debt servicing costing 11% of GDP, it would take Greece's A1 debt rating – already the lowest in the euro zone – off positive outlook if political and economic instability continued.
Further reading
- Dalakoglou, Dimitris (2013). "The Crisis Before 'The Crisis'" (PDF). Social Justice. 39 (1): 24–42. JSTOR 41940966. Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
- Gerodimos, Roman (2015). "The Ideology of Far Left Populism in Greece: Blame, Victimhood and Revenge in the Discourse of Greek Protesters". Political Studies. 63 (3): 608–625. doi:10.1111/1467-9248.12079. ISSN 1467-9248. S2CID 142982775.
- Kornetis, Kostis (2010). "No More Heroes? Rejection and Reverberation of the Past in the 2008 Events in Greece". Journal of Modern Greek Studies. 28 (2): 173–197. doi:10.1353/mgs.2010.0420. ISSN 1086-3265. S2CID 144028410.
- Vradis, Antonios; Dalakoglou, Dimitris, eds. (2011). Revolt and Crisis in Greece (PDF). Oakland, CA: AK Press and Occupied London. ISBN 978-0-9830597-1-4. Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
- Vasilaki, Rosa (2017). "'We are an image from the future': Reading back the Athens 2008 riots". Acta Scientiarum. Education. 39 (2): 153–161. doi:10.4025/actascieduc.v39i2.34851. ISSN 2178-5201.
External links
Media related to 2008 Greek riots at Wikimedia Commons
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