“Pavlos lives – Smash the Nazis”: Thousands march in anti-fascist rally in Keratsini

Thirteen years have passed today since the cold-blooded murder of Pavlos Fyssas by Giorgos Roupakias, a member of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn organisation, and the slogan “We do not forget” is echoing loudly in Keratsini.

On this sombre anniversary, rallies are once again being held across Greece.

After 5:00 p.m., at the site where he was murdered — where the Pavlos Fyssas Memorial now stands in Keratsini — hundreds of people had gathered from early in the afternoon to honour his memory, following calls by anti-fascist groups, student organisations, assemblies, labour unions and other collectives.

The rally, which was scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., is being attended by thousands of people.

Among those present are the mother of Killah P, Magda Fyssa, and Giannis Mangos, along with collectives, organisations and unions. Pavlos Fyssas Street has been closed in both directions.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., following the completion of speeches, the march began, with a large crowd taking part and Magda Fyssa leading the procession.

“Pavlos lives, smash the Nazis” and “Neither in Keratsini nor anywhere else, smash the fascists in every neighbourhood” are among the slogans being chanted.

According to the Hellenic Police, 11 preventive detentions have been carried out so far.

The slogan “Pavlos lives, smash the Nazis” appears more relevant than ever following the release of Ilias Kasidiaris from prison, with participants in the rally showing that the fight against fascism is not over and that society will not take a step back.

Traffic measures
As announced by STASY, from 3:30 p.m., the Korydallos and Maniatika Metro stations will remain closed following a police order.

In addition, traffic restrictions will be implemented gradually, depending on prevailing traffic conditions, in Nikaia and Keratsini, on the following roads:

Salaminos Avenue, from Grigoriou Lambraki Avenue to Akropoleos Street.
P. Ralli Avenue, between Akropoleos and Tzavella streets.
Pavlou Fyssa Street, from Grigoriou Lambraki Avenue to Salaminos Avenue.
Tzavella Street, between P. Ralli Avenue and Ilioupoleos Street.
Ilioupoleos Street, between Tzavella Street and Gervasiou Grevenon Street.
Karakoulouxi Street, between Tzavella Street and Gervasiou Grevenon Street.
At the same time, from 2:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., stopping and parking vehicles will not be permitted on the above roads and avenues.

Rallies across Greece
In Thessaloniki, a demonstration has been scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with the meeting point at Kamara.

In Patras, the large anti-fascist march is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Vasileos Georgiou Square, while in Volos it will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Eleftherias Square.

Rallies will also be held in:

Agrinio: 7:00 p.m. at Papastratou pedestrian street.
Alexandroupoli: 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall.
Arta: 7:30 p.m. at Kilkis Square.
Ioannina: A midday mobilisation at the Region of Epirus offices and at 7:00 p.m. at the plane tree on Averof Street.
Zakynthos: 7:00 p.m. at the former Prefecture building.
Heraklion: 7:00 p.m. at Eleftherias Square.
Corfu: 7:00 p.m. at Annunziata.
Larissa: 7:00 p.m. at Riga Feraiou Square (Prefecture).
Lefkada: 8:00 p.m. at Agios Minas Square.
Mytilene: 7:00 p.m. at Sappho Square.
Preveza: 7:00 p.m. at Theofaneios.
Chania: 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Market Square.
In addition, unions in Thessaloniki and other cities are planning various initiatives and interventions.