Teachers, parents, and students gathered outside the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) building in Metaxourgeio to protest against the merging of school classes, calling the measure “anti-educational” and “a downgrade” for public education. The protest, organized by the Teachers’ Associations of Athens A’, was prompted by the merger of 15 classes in 12 schools in the area.
Videos from the scene show police forces responding with extensive use of violence and chemicals, from which, according to reports, a 7-year-old child was transferred to the Children’s Hospital for decontamination and an ophthalmological examination due to exposure to tear gas.
Political parties SYRIZA, Ne.Ar., and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued statements on the incident, with the KKE describing the riot police’s attack as “unprovoked.”
The scenes that unfolded triggered strong reactions from the Opposition. In its statement, SYRIZA said: “The image of fully equipped police officers pushing with shields, using chemicals, and firing stun grenades at people protesting outside the Directorate of Primary Education in Metaxourgeio is a disgrace and a stain on whoever gave such arbitrary orders to the police.”
The Communist Party (KKE) also condemned the incident, with MP Thanasis Pafilis calling the Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, to denounce “the unprovoked and brutal attack by the riot police against the protest of teachers, parents, and their children at the Directorate of Primary Education of Athens A’,” demanding “the immediate withdrawal of riot police and other forces encircling the building.”
Teachers had declared a work stoppage for today’s protest at the Athens A’ DPE, calling on unions, parents’ associations, and municipal authorities to join the rally.
Sources: News 247, Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών, Η ΑΥΓΗ
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