Greek Police Use Excessive Force Against Peaceful Protesters as Culture of Impunity Persists

Author: Sheetal Frank

July 16, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the unlawful and excessive use of police force against protesters in Greece and calls on the authorities to protect the right to peaceful assembly. We also urge the Greek government to uphold its responsibility under international human rights law, investigate any allegations of misconduct by law enforcement officials and hold those accountable. HRRC also calls for greater oversight of policing equipment and for adequate resources to prevent future incidents, police brutality, and abuse.

Riot police hit a protester with a baton in Athens during a protest [Photo credit: Aris Messinis/ AFP]

A recent report titled ‘Protests are not battlefields: Patterns of unlawful use of force by police and impunity in Greece’ published by Amnesty International has found that the Greek police are using excessive force against peaceful protestors and journalists, causing severe injuries, and has called for a ban on the use of stun grenades by the police during protests. The findings come amid a long history of protests, including the Tempi rail tragedy and protests in solidarity with Palestinians. Greek authorities have continued using physical force and breaching the law despite their reassurances of a guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.

During protests, stun grenades are thrown without any warning to deter protesters, causing severe injuries with illegal use of batons, chemical irritants, tear/gas and water cannons. As a result, some demonstrators reported health problems, including hearing loss, burns, and injuries to the body, triggering existing health issues. Some even reported respiratory problems from the use of chemicals, while others suffered psychological harm. 

A photojournalist, Marios Lolos, suffered permanent hearing loss and a head injury after being hit by a stun grenade thrown by a police officer, which is believed to have been done intentionally. Marios commented, saying, “I was carrying my camera, and it was obvious that I was a photojournalist. I believe the riot police threw the stun grenade at me intentionally, and it hit the left side of my head and exploded next to me”. 

Kondylia Gogou, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher for Europe, said, “The right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Greece is being blatantly violated both in law and in practice”. Many police officers remain free without facing serious consequences or prosecutions due to ‘flawed disciplinary investigations’. Prosecutors struggle to find the perpetrators because police officers often do not wear identification badges. 

Amnesty International also raises concerns about the limitations of the EMIDIPA–known as the National Mechanism for the Investigation of Arbitrary Incidents–which is responsible for investigating violations committed by law enforcement officials, saying it lacks sufficient staff and resources, thereby restricting its power to enforce disciplinary measures. The civil liberty organisation also adds that the Greek Helsinki Monitor, designed to monitor human and minority rights and anti-discrimination issues in Greece, investigated 181 cases of human rights violations and offences by law enforcement officials between 2019 and 2025; however, only four were taken to trial, with only one conviction. Both Amnesty International and Civil Society Partners from the Torture-Free Trade Network call on the governments to implement a Torture-Free Trade Treaty at the United Nations to regulate the trade in policing equipment.  

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Glossary

• Amnesty International - It is a global human rights organisation that campaigns to end human rights abuses, advocate for justice and protect fundamental freedoms.

• Brutality - Extreme physical violence, cruelty, or severe physical force.

• Breaching - The act of breaking the law, violating or making a gap in something.

• Baton - It is a lightweight stick or rod used for various specific uses.

• Chemical irritants - Can cause inflammation, swelling and irritation on the skin.

• Consequences - It is a result, effect or outcome of a specific action, decision, or situation.

• Conviction - It is officially being found to be guilty of a particular crime.

• Deter - It is to discourage, prevent or stop someone from doing something.

• EMIDIPA - It stands for the National Mechanism for the Investigation of Arbitrary, and it is an independent body established to investigate complaints of abuse, violence and misconduct.

• Flawed - This is when something is damaged, imperfect or has mistakes.

• Greek Helsinki Monitor - It is a prominent Greek human rights organisation, dealing with minority rights and an anti-discrimination organisation

• Guaranteed - It is something that is confirmed to happen.

• Identification badges - Physical cards worn to verify a person’s identity and affiliation with an organisation.

• Impunity - Freedom from punishment, penalty or harm.

• International Human Rights Law - A body of international rules that establishes the obligations of governments to promote, protect and fulfil fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals or groups.

• Law enforcement officials - These are public servants authorised by the government to maintain public safety, keep the peace and investigate crimes, such as police officers.

• Misconduct - Unacceptable behaviour by someone in a position of power or authority.

• Peaceful assembly - It is a fundamental human right of individuals to gather collectively to express or defend their ideas.

• Perpetrator - It is a person, group or entity that commits a crime or carries out a harmful, illegal or immoral act.

• Policing equipment - It refers to the tactical, protective and technological gear law enforcement uses to maintain public order and enforce the law.

• Prosecutions - The legal process of charging an individual or organisation with a crime and going through a trial in a court of law.

• Psychological harm - It is mental harm caused by a distressing or life-threatening event.

• Stun grenades - A non-lethal explosive device used to disturb the senses of an individual, causing a loud noise and bright light.

• Tempi rail tragedy - This was the deadliest train crash in Greece’s history, which occurred on February 28, 2023.

• Testimony - A formal, verbal and written statement used as evidence or proof of someone’s experience.

• The Torture- Free Trade Network - It is an organisation of over 85 civil society organisations working to end the international trade of equipment used for torture.

• Unlawful - It is not permitted by law and breaches the rules or violates legal rights.

• United Nations - It is their core mission to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights and deliver humanitarian aid.