Controversial Ban on Protests Near Athens' Historic War Memorial

Greece's parliament has restricted public demonstrations at a key war memorial, sparking opposition outcry. The new law, prompted by recent protests following a tragic train crash, forbids rallies near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. Critics argue the legislation infringes on constitutional rights.

In a controversial move, Greece's parliament has imposed a ban on public demonstrations near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a historically significant war memorial in Athens. The decision, passed on Wednesday, faced sharp criticism from opposition parties who claim the restriction infringes on citizens' constitutional rights to assemble.

The amendment comes after a high-profile protest by a grieving father who lost his son in a tragic 2023 train crash. The sit-in hunger strike he led highlighted public discontent with the state's accountability, drawing connections between the tragedy and historical protests at the memorial.

According to the new law, rallies near the cenotaph at Syntagma Square are prohibited, with penalties of up to a year in prison for violators. While Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defends the area as sacred, opposition leaders have vowed to continue opposing the restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)