Greece: mobilization in Athens against the government’s policy before the fires

Featured image: heading banner ahead of the rally. Source: Resistance in the Neighborhoods

On August 12 a series of fires broke out close to Athens, Greece, which affected several neighborhoods at the suburbs of the capital of the country. The population of the city describes the situation as absolutely terrible and desolate, including several firefighters and residents were treated due to respiratory problems. Local media report that since 2017 there have been 13 big fires at the Attica region (where Athens is located) and due to these, some 37% of the forest area has been burned.

On August 13 demonstrators gathered at the Athens city-center, and carried out a rally where speeches were read and slogans were chanted. Afterwards there was a march strongly surveilled by the police. They protested the death of a 65 year old migrant worker and the government police and system indifference towards the life of the people. They demanded real measures against the so-called ‘natural disasters’. Several organizations participated.

The police was present during the whole march and closely followed the demonstration and attempted to intimidate the protesters. However this attempt was unsuccessful.