Greece: Tear gas fired during protest of vaccine mandate

By: The Associated Press Posted:

Advertisement

Advertise with us

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters who gathered Wednesday in Athens to oppose coronavirus vaccination requirements proposed by the Greek government.

Read this article for free:


By clicking the button above, an account will be created and you will begin to receive some of our recommended newsletters. You may opt out of any newsletter by visiting your Email and Communication Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email.

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/07/2021 (1911 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters who gathered Wednesday in Athens to oppose coronavirus vaccination requirements proposed by the Greek government.

The demonstration in front of the parliament building took place hours after the government submitted legislation to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for employees at nursing homes and care facilities.

Under the draft bill, staff members could be suspended without pay starting in mid-August if they fail to comply.

Greek police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-vaccine protesters during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Thousands of people protested against Greek government's measures to curb rising COVID-19 infections and drive up vaccinations in the country where almost 50% of Greeks and country residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Greek police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-vaccine protesters during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Thousands of people protested against Greek government's measures to curb rising COVID-19 infections and drive up vaccinations in the country where almost 50% of Greeks and country residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)

Officers fired the tear gas and water cannons after protesters attempted to break through a police cordon.

Several thousand people also joined a protest rally in Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki.

Vaccinations already were made mandatory for rescue personnel employed by the country’s Fire Service, which began transferring non-vaccinated members of its rescue service to other departments this week.

The Greek government is worried that slowing vaccination rates will hurt the country’s economic recovery after a steep recession last year caused by lockdowns and the pandemic’s impact on the tourism industry.

Roughly 45% of the country’s population has received two vaccine doses, according to daily public health data.

Anti-vaccine protesters hold a banner during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Thousands of people protested against Greek government's measures to curb rising COVID-19 infections and drive up vaccinations in the country where almost 50% of Greeks and country residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The banner reads :
Anti-vaccine protesters hold a banner during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Thousands of people protested against Greek government's measures to curb rising COVID-19 infections and drive up vaccinations in the country where almost 50% of Greeks and country residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The banner reads :" No to mandatory vaccination". (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)

Related Articles

Priority is protecting most vulnerable
Sirachai Arunrugstichai - GETTY IMAGES Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table released a 21-page brief Wednesday afternoon suggesting that the province’s power brokers issue a “vaccine certificate” to help differentiate between those who’ve gotten both of their shots — and those who haven’t.　

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Report Error Submit a Tip

Advertisement

Learn more about Winnipeg Free Press Advertising solutions

More Stories

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS From left: Sarah Lamoureux, stage manager, Marie-Ève Fontaine, director, Ava Darrach-Gagnon, Yvan Lécuyer, Louise Deniset, Jack Maier and Axelle Oulé, rehearse on a makeshift mini-golf course, where much of Les Fourberies de Scapin is set.

Théâtre Cercle Molière opens season with hijinks-filled comedy

Ben Waldman 5 minute read Preview

Théâtre Cercle Molière opens season with hijinks-filled comedy

Ben Waldman 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Molière is back in St. Boniface.

For the opening production of her programming tenure at Théâtre Cercle Molière, artistic director Marie-Ève Fontaine knew that she wanted to highlight the eternal work of her company’s namesake.

She wanted to remind audiences whose cercle they were joining each season on Provencher Boulevard.

“It’s really important to me that our audience has a working knowledge of theatrical references,” says Fontaine, who helmed the company last year during its landmark centennial season.

Read
2:00 AM CDT
CP Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Andrew Harris, left, looks to get past Calgary Stampeders' Shaquille Richardson during first quarter CFL football action in Calgary on Nov. 3, 2017. Andrew Harris pointed to a couple of reasons why he captured his first CFL rushing title and set a league record for receptions by a running back.It was the extra, little things the Blue Bombers running back did during practices, plus the special bond he formed with the offensive line. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Lots on the line in Bombers-Stamps rubber match

Jeff Hamilton 10 minute read Preview

Lots on the line in Bombers-Stamps rubber match

Jeff Hamilton 10 minute read Friday, Nov. 16, 2018

CALGARY — The last time the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders met in the West Division final, the Bombers were coached by the legendary Bud Grant and had future CFL hall of fame player Kenny Ploen at quarterback.

That year, 1965, the divisional finals were decided in a best-of-three series over a seven-day stretch, with the Bombers defeating the Stampeders two games to one, capped by a 19-12 victory in Game 3. Winnipeg went on to lose to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 22-16, in the 53rd Grey Cup.

The Bombers don’t care much about the past, nor do they have their sights set too far into the future. A win over the Stampeders in the West final Sunday at McMahon Stadium would put them back in the dance, one step closer to achieving their goal of winning the Grey Cup.

The hurdle Calgary presents is steep, making it easy for the Bombers to stay focused on what’s right in front of them.

Read
Friday, Nov. 16, 2018
Mayoral candidate Jenny Motkaluk blamed recent bus fare hikes on a Brian Bowman 'cash grab,' but did not mention a sharp decline in provincial funding. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Motkaluk promising four-year freeze on transit fares

Aldo Santin 3 minute read Preview

Motkaluk promising four-year freeze on transit fares

Aldo Santin 3 minute read Monday, Oct. 22, 2018

Jenny Motkaluk’s final campaign commitments include a four-year freeze on transit fares and a neighbourhood anti-litter initiative relying on volunteers.

Motkaluk’s campaign sent out a release late Sunday night promising the transit rate freeze.

Motkaluk blamed the 25-cent increase that went into effect on Jan. 1 this year as a “cash grab” by Mayor Brian Bowman. That would seem to ignore the provincial government's surprise decision to end its 50-50 transit operations cost-sharing agreement with the city, leaving a $10-million shortfall.

Instead, Motkaluk focused on the 25-cent fare increase as a way to offset an expected $6.4-million revenue drop from a decrease in ridership.

Read
Monday, Oct. 22, 2018

Notable quotes from 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Jul. 24, 2021

In the rural town of Russell, one hotel has helped attract more than 200 newcomers who embrace, and are embraced by, the local community. ‘We are all one community,’ says the mayor.

Media Literacy & Learning

0 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

Manitoba delegation to join trade mission to India

Free Press staff 2 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

A delegation from Manitoba will travel to India seeking to bolster economic ties with the South Asia nation.

The province announced Tuesday it will send representatives to join what the federal government is dubbing the “Team Canada trade mission” in India this week.

The Manitoba delegation includes business leaders and Indigenous leadership, including representatives from the University of Winnipeg, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada.

The mission will look to strengthen ties with a shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, according to the province. It will focus on priority sectors including aerospace and space, clean technologies and energy transition, information and communications technologies, life sciences, products and agri-food.