Location: Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece
The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to planned demonstrations on Sunday, November 17, 2024, in Athens and Thessaloniki. Demonstration sites often include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- U.S. Embassy Athens
- U.S Consulate General Thessaloniki
Major demonstrations usually take place each year on November 17 to commemorate the Athens Polytechnic University student uprising against the ruling military junta in 1973.
In Athens, demonstrators are expected to converge at the Athens Polytechnic University and Klathmonos Square throughout the day from various points around the city and the traditional demonstration is expected to begin around 1:00 pm. The demonstration will begin at the Polytechnic University, continue to Syntagma Square, march up Vasilissis Sofias Avenue to the U.S. Embassy, and then continue to the Embassy of Israel. In preparation, local police will close streets and metro stops near the U.S. Embassy and in the downtown area of Athens as early as 1:00 p.m. Severe traffic disruptions are expected. In Thessaloniki, local police expect demonstrations and anticipate that access may be restricted in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General. Demonstrators are expected to begin gathering at the Polytechnical School of Aristotle University at 5:00 p.m.
Some past demonstrations have turned violent and have involved destruction of property. There is the potential that anti-riot engagements between police and demonstrators may take place and tear gas may be utilized by police. Demonstrations in previous years have included more than 30,000 participants.
U.S. government personnel have been advised to avoid the demonstrations and the downtown areas of Athens and Thessaloniki on November 17, 2024.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Athens
+(30) 210-721-2951
AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki
+(30) 2310-376-300
State Department – Consular Affairs
(888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
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