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2d ago

Greek Parliament Bans Protests at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Opponents plan legal challenges, calling the measure unconstitutional.

People stand in the square where the names of 57 victims of Greece's deadliest train crash are written on the ground, as Parliament debates regulations to protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument, which has recently been the focus of demonstrations by victims' relatives. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Visitors gather to watch the change of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, situated in front of the Greek Parliament, prior to the vote on an amendment which bans protests and any alterations in the area, in Athens, Greece, October 22, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, as lawmakers debate regulations to protect the monument, recently the focus of protests by relatives of victims of Greece's deadliest train crash. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, as lawmakers debate regulations to protect the monument, recently the focus of protests by relatives of victims of Greece's deadliest train crash. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Overview

  • Parliament approved the measure on Wednesday, prohibiting rallies at the cenotaph outside the legislature and any physical changes to the site.
  • The law permits visits to pay respects but sets penalties of fines or up to one year in prison for violations.
  • Security responsibility shifts to the defence ministry, with presidential guards posted around the clock.
  • The move follows sustained protests over the 2023 Tempi train crash, including a 23-day hunger strike by a victim’s father near the memorial.
  • Opposition parties vow political and legal resistance, while the government says the restriction applies only to the area directly in front of the monument, not to nearby Syntagma Square.