On 12 May 2025, the Greek section of Amnesty International published a public opinion survey on the right to assembly, that is, the right to protest, in Greece.
The survey notes that a particularly worrying finding is that more than half of respondents (55%) believe that this right is not sufficiently respected by the Greek state. It adds that reinforcing this perception are the findings concerning police behaviour before and during protests: 50% of respondents consider it harsh to very harsh, while 58% of participants fall within the broader spectrum of negative views regarding the police’s use of less‑lethal weapons (batons, tear gas, stun grenades, water cannons, etc.).
The right to assembly is guaranteed by Article 11 of the Constitution, which provides that “1. Greeks shall have the right to assemble peaceably and unarmed. 2. The police may be present only at outdoor public assemblies. Outdoor assemblies may be prohibited by a reasoned police authority decision, in general if a serious threat to public security is imminent, and in a specific area, if a serious disturbance of social and economic life is threatened, as specified by law.”
The right to protest is also protected by Article 21 ICCPR, which states: “The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”
Under the rule of law, public authorities must protect the exercise of the right to assembly, without resorting to repressive measures that hinder or even prevent its exercise. However, the above survey by Amnesty International raises concerns that the Greek authorities may be violating Article 11 of the Constitution and Article 21 ICCPR.
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