Hundreds of people are expected to gather outside the courthouse in Veria, northern Greece, on Wednesday night to demand justice in the case of missing 11-year-old Alex Meshivili, sources said yesterday.

A total of 47 local associations and organizations have said they will take part in the protest, which will include a silent march through the city streets, in what is set to be the biggest demonstration since Alex disappeared in February.

“Alex’s disappearance has had a big impact on the city,” said Aristidis Sidiropoulos, a member of the team organizing the protest. “It has created a morbid atmosphere in the city and we have to act to reverse this,” he added.

Five schoolboys have been charged with murdering Alex in February and then disposing of the body.

The missing boy’s mother, Natela Ichuadze, is also expected to attend the rally on Wednesday, which coincides with Alex’s name day.

Sidiropoulos said that organizers will also be pushing for the creation of a home in Veria to care for homeless children.