On 3 March 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Athens, Thessaloniki and locations throughout Greece
“Event: Transportation Disruption and Demonstrations Following Tempi Train Disaster Hellenic Train has temporarily suspended operations on the Athens-Thessaloniki railway line due to the train collision in Tempi, Greece on March 1, 2023. Strikes and demonstrations related to this tragic disaster are planned for March 3 and likely to continue in the coming days. Additional demonstrations may take place in major cities throughout Greece. Some demonstrations have turned violent and led to the destruction of property. There is a potential for tear-gas and anti-riot engagement between police and demonstrators.
“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise greater caution around universities, Hellenic Train offices, and areas such as those noted above where demonstrations commonly take place. The following strikes are scheduled for March 3, 2023 (12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), unless otherwise noted.
- Trains will be on a 24-hour strike.
- Suburban Rail in Attica/Peloponnese will be on a 24-hour strike.
“The following demonstrations are scheduled for March 3, 2023:
- In Athens, demonstrations are scheduled at the Propylaia (Athens Center) at 12:00 p.m. and in Syntagma Square at 7:00 p.m.
- In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are scheduled at the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) at 6:30 p.m. and Aristotelous Square at 7:00 p.m.
“Please monitor www.apergia.gr as well as local media for last minute strike notifications and demonstration information. Review Hellenic Train updates regarding railway operations.”
