Demonstrations marking the two-year anniversary of the Tempi train disaster in Greece have escalated, leading to violent clashes in Athens and Thessaloniki. In central Athens, protestors have engaged with police at Syntagma Square and surrounding areas, using incendiary devices and heavy objects. The authorities responded with tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowds.
Further confrontations were reported in various parts of central Athens, including Eleftherias Park near the Megaron Music Hall adjacent to the U.S. Embassy and Omonia Square. Southbound Vasilissis Sofias Avenue has been closed from Mesogeion Avenue, with other streets being shut down as necessary by police.
In Thessaloniki, while most protests remained peaceful, isolated incidents involved protestors throwing incendiary devices and rocks at police or citizens near the train station and police stations. Police used tear gas in some cases.
The U.S. Mission Greece advises individuals to avoid demonstration areas and exercise caution throughout central Athens and Thessaloniki for the remainder of the afternoon and evening.
For assistance, contact details are provided for U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki. The public is encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.