The parade was cut in half

March 25, 2012 | Filed under: Geopolitics

The military parade in Syntagma for the celebration of the March 25th anniversary lasted only 40 minutes.

Only the hiking units of the Armed Forces took part, as the economic crisis makes it particularly difficult for the mobilization of motor vehicles. So the picture was completely different than previous years.

Since early morning the centre of the city was reminiscent of a castle of a city under siege. For the first time there were invitations and accreditations for journalists to get closer to the spot, as for all other citizens the parade area was forbidden. Police forces were deployed all along the parade.

The streets to the Square were all closed with barriers and riot police vans, while 7,000 officers took part in the operations in Attica along with DI.AS. and DELTA forces.

The drastic measures did not prevent tensions – fortunately of small scale – and at the start of the parade at the bottom of Syntagma Square, citizens were shouting at the political world, resulting in minor clashes with police forces and their return to Stadiou str.

But even the departure of the citizens was very difficult. Those who were in front of Syntagma Square hotels were not allowed to leave toward the Square or Voukourestiou, but were directed by the police to Karageorgi Serbias.

Reports talk about 25 arrests, while about 50 motorcyclists drove around the centre to protest against the memorandum policy.

Special traffic regulations were in effect since early in the morning, which now have been lifted, while the metro stations at Syntagma, Evangelismos and Akropoli were closed.

Particularly harsh measures were implemented throughout the country, while episodes took place during the celebrations in several cities.