/ 18 February 2004

Anarchists march against Olympic Games

About 500 demonstrators from anarchist groups marched through central Athens late on Tuesday to protest massive security measures planned for the August 13 to 29 Olympics.

Chanting ”Olympics for cash not ideals,” the black-clad youths held up traffic for about an hour as they marched to Greece’s Parliament building before dispersing peacefully.

It was the latest protest against the Olympics and security measures costing more that $750-million. The measures will involve the deployment of 50 000 police and soldiers, the installation of surveillance cameras across the city and restrictions on street protests during the games.

Anarchist groups, which frequently carry out arson attacks in the capital, have vowed to defy the ban. Greek anti-globalisation groups have also staged anti-Olympic protests. — Sapa-AP