Location: Athens and Thessaloniki
Event: Update to Transportation Disruption and Demonstrations Related to the Two-Year Anniversary of the Tempi Train Disaster.
Demonstrations in central Athens and Thessaloniki related to the two-year anniversary of the Tempi train disaster have turned violent. Violent protestors have engaged in clashes with police in Athens at Syntagma Square and surrounding areas. Incendiary devices and heavy objects have been thrown at police and buildings. Crowds are being dispersed with tear gas and smoke grenades.
Clashes between police and protestors have been reported in multiple additional locations in central Athens, including Eleftherias Park near the Megaron Music Hall adjacent to U.S. Embassy Athens and Omonia Square.
Southbound Vasilissis Sofias Ave. is closed to vehicle traffic from Mesogeion Ave.; police are closing other streets as needed.
In Thessaloniki, protests have mainly been peaceful, but in isolated instances protestors have thrown incendiary devices and rocks at police or other citizens, including near the train station and police stations. Police have in some instances responded with tear gas.
Actions to take:
Avoid demonstration areas. Exercise caution for the rest of the afternoon and evening in all areas of central Athens and Thessaloniki, especially if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or crowds.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Athens
+(30) 210-721-2951
AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki
+(30) 2310-376-300
State Department - Consular Affairs
(888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
Greece Country Information
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