Greek Police seeks help in managing demonstrations
A few days after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras banned the use of tear gas at demonstrations by workers and pensioners following the firing of chemicals on retirees rallying in central Athens, the Greek Police (ELAS) has appealed to forces in other European countries for help in dealing with tense protest rallies.
ELAS sent its request to the police forces of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, Kathimerini understands.
“We are seeking tools and methods that are being used by police forces in other countries,” an official at the Citizens’ Protection Ministry said.
“We’re interested in finding out what measures they take to manage demonstrations so we can mimic and implement good practices,” he said.
ELAS has reached out to foreign forces in the past – in 2012 it sought help from Israel following violent protests in Athens. Six years earlier it sent a team to France after French police contained riots in Clichy-sou-Bois, a Paris suburb, in 2005.
