Road closures and a strong police presence mark today’s two marches commemorating the murder of Alexis Grigoropoulos.

Today, Friday, December 6, it has been announced that the “Panepistimio” metro station will close from 9:00 AM until further notice, while “Monastiraki” station will close from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM until further notice. Trains will pass through these stations without stopping.

Simultaneously, the city center will see the deployment of at least 5,000 police officers to ensure the orderly conduct of marches in memory of 15-year-old student Alexis Grigoropoulos, who was murdered in Exarchia on December 6, 2008, by police officer Epaminondas Korkoneas. Today marks the 16th anniversary of the murder that shocked Greece.

At 12:00 noon, a gathering and a student march are scheduled at Propylaea, while a new demonstration is planned at the same location later in the evening.

Due to the planned gatherings and marches marking 16 years since the fatal shooting of Alexis Grigoropoulos, emergency traffic measures will be implemented during the midday and evening hours on various main roads in Athens city center.

Grigoropoulos Anniversary: Strict ELAS Measures – Metro Operations Today

According to reports, ELAS’s plans include the use of water cannons and drones, with police forces stationed at every potential “target,” such as police stations, ministries, and embassies.

For the student march in memory of Alexis Grigoropoulos, a discreet police presence by riot squads (MAT) is planned. For the evening march, a stricter cordon and close monitoring by riot squads will accompany the procession. Additional forces have already been deployed within Exarchia.

Similar gatherings and marches are planned, as every year, in Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, and various other cities.

Detailed Traffic Regulations

According to an announcement from ELAS, traffic measures will be implemented gradually, depending on the prevailing traffic conditions. The Attica Traffic Directorate has planned and will implement measures to facilitate circulation in the broader area of Athens city center.

Additionally, ELAS has urged drivers to avoid driving and parking their vehicles near the event locations, both for their convenience and to prevent additional traffic disruptions.

Metro Stations That Will Be Closed

By order of ELAS, two metro stations will remain closed due to the planned gatherings.

As announced by STASY:

• The “Panepistimio” metro station will close at 9:00 AM.
• The “Monastiraki” station (Lines 1 & 3) will close at 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM and again at 5:00 PM.

Trains will pass through these stations without stopping, and the stations will reopen based on further instructions from ELAS.