Greek police use teargas to disperse protesters in Athens

Greek police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered outside parliament on Thursday (July 9) in a bid to denounce a draft law attempting to regulate street protests in the country.

About 10,000 demonstrators rallied outside parliament as the bill was being debated by lawmakers inside.

At one point groups of protesters lobbed rocks, sticks and petrol bombs at riot police, who responded with tear gas, sending the crowds running.

The bill, which was to be voted on later on Thursday, mandates the appointment of a liaison officer, restrictions on demonstrations or outright bans if authorities deem they threaten public safety. It also holds organizers responsible for any harm or damage caused by protesters.

The issue is sensitive in Greece, where the right to protest is protected by the constitution. Street protests are a daily occurrence in the country, and a popular form of expression for many Greeks.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during the parliamentary debate that although demonstrations were a constitutional right they should not disrupt the daily lives of citizens.

Main opposition party leader Alexis Tsipras said the government was attempting to put a dent in democratic rights, and brought the law to hinder future demonstrations against the administration as it faced the economic impact of the measures taken to quell the coronavirus pandemic.

(Source: Reuters)

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