Riot police broke up a Gaza solidarity march in Athens on Monday night near the Israeli embassy and along Panormou, organizers and witnesses said. March to Gaza, which convened the rally to mark two years since the start of the war in Gaza, reported at least 18 arrests – including one Palestinian participant – and called the policing heavy-handed, citing batons, shields and flash grenades.
Videos from the scene include accounts of indiscriminate beatings, with claims that detainees were later transported in police cages. Several reports also say medical volunteers and ambulance crews were initially kept from reaching injured protesters.
How did the police operation unfold?
According to participants, it began near the Israeli embassy: lines of riot police pushed demonstrators back toward Panormou. The crowd was split up and kettled in stages, and then came the arrests. We have not independently verified the exact sequence of events or the number of arrests reported by organizers.
Who participated in the event?
The march was organized by the collective March to Gaza and drew local residents, students and solidarity groups. Organizers framed the action as part of ongoing mobilizations calling for an end to the war and for international sanctions against Israel.
What do local groups say?
In a statement, March to Gaza condemned what it described as an attempt to intimidate solidarity networks: “We demand the immediate release of all those arrested. The Greek state is trying to intimidate us in order to reaffirm its support for the genocidal state of Israel.” The group added that “after the brutal police attack on the October 7 march, arrests and beatings followed in droves.”
Where to find more information?
Videos and photos from the night were shared by CopWatchGR, March to Gaza Greece and Partizan Greece on social media. Supporters also announced a solidarity gathering at 9:00 a.m. outside the Evelpidon courts, where those arrested were expected to appear.
What does this mean for Athens?
The incident has reopened debate in Athens about crowd control tactics and access to medical care during demonstrations. For residents and commuters in the embassy district and around Panormou, the heavy police presence and brief street closures disrupted the evening. Civil liberties groups are likely to press for clarity on arrest procedures and how detainees were treated.
What remains unclear?
As of this writing, the source material did not include an official police statement addressing the allegations or confirming the arrest tally. Key details – including the condition of the injured and the legal status of those detained – require verification. We will update this story as more confirmed information becomes available. Photos: Dimitris Kapantais / SOOC.
What happens next?
Organizers signaled further actions in the coming days but did not provide a schedule in the source material. For now, attention turns to the court appearances and to whether authorities will publicly address the allegations of excessive force and denial of medical care.
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