Protesters Face Deportation After Disruptive Anti-Israel Chaos
By Mike Fishmore | June 3, 2024
Facing deportation
Nine individuals from European countries are facing deportation from Greece for participating in disruptive anti-Israel protests at the University of Athens School of Law.
Detained on charges
Protesters of Greek and foreign descent were detained on charges related to public entity disruption and property damage, with confiscated evidence including protest materials.
Deny any wrongdoing
The accused protesters deny any wrongdoing, with a statement in Greek and English urging participation in the demonstration
Pending their trial
The Greek demonstrators were released on bail last Tuesday pending their trial, while the nine foreign nationals, comprising one man and eight women aged 22 to 33, are still detained awaiting a decision on their deportation.
Residents and workers
Lawyers Ioanna Sioupouli and Anny Paparoussou stated that their clients, who are residents and workers in Greece, intend to appeal the decision.
Arbitrary and unlawful
Vassilis Papadopoulos, a lawyer representing a 33-year-old Spaniard, described the ruling as "arbitrary and unlawful."
Abolished a law
In 2019, Greece's conservative government abolished a law that prevented police from entering universities, citing its misuse as a shield for criminal acts.
Ongoing conflict
Similar to demonstrations in the United States, protests in solidarity with Palestine have surged in Greece following Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
