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The Hellenic Police (ELAS) continue investigating the riots following the Tempi rally at Syntagma Square on Friday. Police spokeswoman Constantia Demoglidou stated that beyond the 72 arrests, ELAS possesses \u201cenough material to identify other individuals, who will be brought to justice. We have their images before they covered their faces. This is an ongoing process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demoglidou clarified that the rioters did not move in large, organized groups. We saw individuals in groups of two or three moving towards Syntagma. There were no large, consolidated groups,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She emphasized the severity of the devices used, noting, \u201cWe didn\u2019t just see Molotov cocktails. We\u2019re talking about improvised incendiary and explosive devices. This was dangerous not only for police officers but for all citizens present.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regarding the arrested individuals, Demoglidou stated, \u201cThere is a criminal history, a history of charges and arrests for some of those brought in. They are individuals from three different groups. As soon as the speeches ended, they covered their faces and prepared to attack police officers.\u201d<\/p>\n
She described the police response as follows: \u201cInitially, we adopted a defensive stance to allow time for peaceful citizens to disperse. Once most citizens had withdrawn, appropriate crowd control measures were used.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing the use of the water cannon, Demoglidou explained, \u201cAmong the demonstrators were individuals who had participated in earlier incidents. At one point, over a thousand people were involved in riots across various locations, including Vouliagmeni Avenue and Kolokotronis. They were actively seeking out police officers to attack and cause disruption.\u201d<\/p>\n
Massive Turnout at Tempi Rally in Thessaloniki Marks Anniversary of Tragic Train Accident; Protesters Form Corridor for Passing Ambulance<\/p>\n