High alert for Salonica riots
Anti-globalization and anti-capitalism protesters are planning extensive riots in Thessaloniki during this month’s European Union summit 150 kilometers outside the northern city, according to information forwarded to Greece’s authorities by foreign intelligence services. A top Greek security source told Kathimerini that Greek anarchist and anti-globalization groups are already working together with foreign groups to coordinate their protests during the June 20-21 summit at the Porto Carras resort in Halkidiki. Protest organizers say they expect 100,000 people to attend demonstrations, which will include a June 20 march on Porto Carras. Authorities plan to seal off the area around the resort, while some 12,000 police will provide security in Thessaloniki and Halkidiki. «It is not the number [of protesters] that worries us but rather our information on what some of them intend to do,» the source said. «We will let no one through [to the summit venue], no matter what sacrifice that requires.»
