April 16: EU summit in Athens

On April 16 took place in Athens the EU summit which upholded
the broadening of the EU. A great number of social and political
associations were mobilized against the Blair, Athnar and Berlusconi
presence in Athens. In addition, these associations protested against the negative consequences of the broadening.

Security measures were unprecedented. The "red zone" (where
demonstrations were forbidden) included the historic center of Athens and a significant number of main avenues. For a couple of days normal life was undermined.

Greek Social Forum participated in the Greek Worker's Confederation gathering. At the same time, the Forum chosed a different direction for its demonstration. Trade unions, Greek Communist Party and Stop the War Coalition marched towards the American embassy.

Greek Social Forum marched towards the summit place and the red zone.

At the beginning of the demonstration, anarchist groups threw Molotov bombs to the police. For once more, police forces used extensively dangerous tear pas. Despite the difficulties, Forum militants and friends were not dispersed and managed to march in an organized way. 

When they reached the red zone they demanded from the police to let them demonstrate in the forbidden area. After some negotiation, police forces were withdrawn and the demonstrators marched in the red zone. The demonstration ended about 300 metres away from the summit.

106 persons were arrested. 80 were persecuted. The next day, they were all released free. It was reported that the majority of them were bitten by the policemen.

see below photos from the events

http://www.socialforum-media.gr/16_4.html

Greek Social Forum