According to a statement from the Palestinian Community in Greece:

“On the morning of Sunday, 1 June 2025, around 200 members of Rouvikonas carried out a surprise protest in front of the Israeli embassy, condemning Israel’s continuing atrocities against the Palestinian people. The protesters held Palestinian flags, chanted slogans of solidarity, and scattered leaflets with political messages.”

The police responded immediately, deploying riot squads and motorbike units to the scene. Witnesses reported that the demonstrators were surrounded by police and that 57 of them were taken into custody, despite there being no violent or dangerous actions from the group. The detainees were transferred to police headquarters in Athens. According to their lawyers, the detentions were carried out hastily and without clear charges. The accusations reported include “illegal gathering” and “obstruction of traffic.”

Anti-racist and peace organisations have condemned the police response and called for the immediate release of those detained. They described the crackdown as a deliberate attempt to silence expressions of solidarity with Palestine.

“Greek authorities for once again choosing to shield the embassy of a murderous state rather than take a stand against its crimes.”

Rouvikonas later posted an update, stating:

“After being held for about five hours at police headquarters, the 57 members of Rouvikonas were released. The protest outside the embassy of the terrorist state of Israel was part of our continued support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing genocide. At the same time, comrades who had placed a banner on a building across from the embassy left without incident.

Freedom and life for Palestine.”

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