Today’s large gathering in Aristotelous Square is the practical response of democratic Thessaloniki to homophobia, transphobia and intolerance”, says Alexis Haritsis in a post on social media.

“It’s a gathering of solidarity and hope,” he continues the president of the KO of the New Left, “defense of our democracy. Defending the right of all individuals to safety and respect”.

Mr. Haritsis notes that “the attempt of a parastatal gang to break up the gathering fell on deaf ears. But this is not enough” and that “every appearance of them underlines the peculiar tolerance of the police, the logic of the right of the strong and the deeper problem of the penetration of the Far Right in the youth space”.

He requests “that the political parties and the parliamentarians of Thessaloniki immediately take a position”. “Let’s support the gatherings that demand justice. To stand up to fascism. No tolerance for darkness and hate. We will not be afraid”, he emphasizes.