The march in Athens began at Propylaea, proceeded to Syntagma, and ended at Omonia, with part of the crowd returning to Exarchia—the site of Grigoropoulos’ murder—where a monument stands in his memory. Participants also expressed solidarity with activist Nikos Romanos, Grigoropoulos’ friend, who was with him on the night of his death. Protesters chanted, “Nikos, strong for freedom,” referencing renewed charges against Romanos.
Heavy police presence and arrests
The demonstration unfolded under a significant police operation involving 5,000 officers, drones, and a helicopter. Authorities carried out a wave of preventive detentions throughout the day, with over 90 arrests reported in Athens alone. Lawyer Annie Paparousou, briefly detained after protesting against the police’s actions, described her arrest as violent and arbitrary.
The Solidarity Committee for Nikos Romanos accused police forces of unfurling banners in Exarchia commemorating Grigoropoulos’ death only to attack members of the movement later in the evening.
Protest and arrests in Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, demonstrators gathered in Kamara Square before marching through the city’s main streets, shouting slogans like, “These are days of Alexis; we will have the last word. Alexis’ blood will not be forgotten.”
Despite a peaceful demonstration with no reported property damage, police detained 126 individuals. According to ThessToday.gr, all detentions were converted into arrests on charges of disturbing the peace. Police sources indicated that some detainees may face additional charges related to the possession of fireworks and explosives.
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