Show of strength from Athens squatters, cops

A very successful protest march in support of squats yesterday afternoon brought out many (estimated between 2,500-4,500) anarchists, leftists and other supporters. Ordinary passersby and shopkeepers along the way were very supportive, as was a trolley driver who refused to stop as commanded by the police when a young man threw a bottle at them from the public vehicle. Street and bank surveillance cameras were trashed.


The police were piqued and came out in force, gathering at various points armed to the teeth (witnessed fingers on machine guns in many cases).

Later in the night a squad protecting the old offices of the PASOK socialist party headquarters was attacked with firebombs so the cops put up a show of force along the perimeter of the anarchist quarter. The newly formed 'Delta Force' bike squad - best known for getting group illegal parking tickets while out on a quest for frappe lattes - gave a mass display of their riding skills.

It looks like this will be an interesting May Day celebration.

*** photo from Athens IMC