6,000 officers for the “hot” weekend

The police plan for the rally at Syntagma comes into full effect from today, with increased policing patrols and preventive checks. The government fears a "warm welcome" from the hooded individuals, so all departments of the Hellenic Police are on red alert status. In no way do they want to see Syntagma ending up as it did last June, with street battles between riot police and young people for many hours.

At the meeting held at the ministry of Citizen Protection, officials decided to unleash a large number of police forces, more than 6,000 men, limit as much as possible the use of tear gas and chemicals and apply the doctrine of tolerance and calm. The police received an explicit mandate to be thrown into battle only when the situation becomes dangerous. They have also been given orders not to drop tear gas in the subway entrances.

Particular emphasis is placed on the occupation of the Law school on Sina Street by student groups and citizens since last Thursday. The occupiers have already announced that the Law school will be the "center of action during the “hot” four days and the general strike."

The wider area of the center will be closed for cars. The blocking of vehicles will spread from the Syggrou to Katehaki and from Pireos to Patision.

The plan of the HP provides for the guarding of parliament by riot squads and use of the plexiglass wall. A special plan has been laid out for the parliament building, as it is expected to be the target of the protesters.

More specifically:

* from early noon (the rally is scheduled for 5pm), 6,000 uniformed officers will take their places. Of these, 2000 will belong to the Directorate of Police Operations
* strong forces from the DI.AS. and Delta teams will operate around Syntagma Square, along with hundreds of men from State Security and Traffic police
* vehicles and men of the Fire Department will be located at predetermined positions
* prosecutors will be divided in two shifts in the event of emergency cases.