On Sunday 10 September 2023, citizens gathered outside the building of the Thessaly Region in Larissa, protesting the situation created by the extreme weather events that hit Thessaly after Storm Daniel.
A Police Statement noted that some demonstrators had attacked the police forces, using smoke bombs and other heavy objects. As a result of the attacks, six (6) policemen were injured and were taken to the hospital for first aid. Police forces thus made use of appropriate means and detained 26 demonstrators, of whom 7 were arrested and an additional 2 were identified and are wanted. A case was filed against them for the following offences: disturbing the peace, insubordination, violence against officials and judicial persons, crimes against the physical integrity of an official, damage to property belonging to others and violation of the legislation on flares and fireworks. It is noted that a Preliminary Administrative Examination has already been ordered by the General Regional Police Directorate of Thessaly in order to investigate police actions which were recorded on video footage reproduced in the media and social media.
Witness reports and complaints describe ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ,) tear gas shot directly into the crowd, injuries to demonstrators, excessive and/or unjustified use of force and mass arrests. Particular reference should be made to videos circulated in the media and social media showing: a) a police officer who appears to have set upon a protester who was already on the ground and proceeds to press him down with a baton on his neck ( 1, 2) and b) a police officer who appears to encourage his colleagues to beat protesters (1, 2).
Similarly, incidents of police violence and arbitrary behaviour were also reported to have taken place during a protest march that took place two days later, on 12 September (see among others 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
In a state governed by the rule of law, the police authorities must be governed by certain principles, including the principle of legality, the principle of proportionality, the prohibition of the abuse of police power and the respect for and protection of human rights.
The powers of the police authorities and the conduct to be displayed by them in the performance of their duties are regulated, inter alia, by Presidential Decrees 538/1989, 141/1991 and 254/2004.
Although the police may use force to enforce the law, this does not mean that all use of preventive or repressive force by the police is lawful. On the contrary, the arbitrary use of the power to use force and police action in excess of the legal limits is a dangerous phenomenon for a democracy.
In this particular case, the behaviour of the police authorities during the demonstrations that took place on 10 and 12 September in Larissa, according to complaints, seems to be beyond the legal limits of police action.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate