3/30/2012

Anti-Gold protests escalate into violence and "hostage" situation



In an ongoing struggle against gold mining in the area, residents of Ierissos (pop. 4000), a Northern Greece town, blockaded politicians, including a Mayor inside City Hall, as others blocked the road from police access. 3 officers were injured as protesters pelted City Hall with rocks, overturned cars and burned tires, reported use of tear gas was extensive and up until the entrance of City Hall. At least 2 reports of molotovs being used.

Reports of 1000-2500 protesters.
"There are thousands of people, women, children, grandmothers"




Electricity was also cut inside the building and the surrounding area was cloaked in darkness,no reports of this being an intentional police tactic.


"Not one photo? Not one video?"

It is dark! They have cut the electricity!

MORE PHOTOS
Only Video to be Released
Things looked like they would explode as extra riot police were called in from Thessaloniki.



Though in the end cool heads prevailed and ended with police, protesters and politicians going home without further incident. The standoff lasted for hours and ended in a peaceful agreement at approximately 3:08am EET.
"An agreement has been reached, police and protesters are headed home and hostages being escorted by police to their homes."


This isn't the 1st time violence has occurred at an Anti-Gold protest in Ierissos, just last week police lobbed teargas as protesters hurled rocks (or potatoes). Full Story in English.



Ekathimerini.com--Gold mining in Halkidiki divides local community

The company at the center of all this is Eldorado Gold! This is their press release regarding Greece. Here is a website in English with information on the area and why you should oppose it's mining. Documentary (with ENG subs) on struggle.






Here is a HUGE protest against mining in the area last summer.



While it might seem strange; this is not the first time clashes have broken out in a Greek village.  Last year residents of a town close to Athens bombarded riot police with explosive molotovs during protests over a proposed landfill.  Story here.




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