Thousands rally in Athens against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers

More than 5,000 protesters opposed to vaccinations gathered in Athens on Wednesday outside parliament after the government announced mandatory vaccinations for workers in certain sectors.

A similar protest was called in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

On Monday, the government ordered the mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers and nursing home staff following a steep rise in new COVID-19 infections in the middle of the vital tourism season.

Those in non-compliance face a leave of absence without pay. Public and private sector employers will also have the right to ask employees whether they have been vaccinated.

It was also announced that customers could now enter inside restaurants, theatres and bars - but only if they have been vaccinated.

About 41% of Greeks are fully vaccinated.

Greece has seen an abrupt spike in infections in the last week, with 3,109 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, a level not seen since early April.

#GlobalNews #COVID #AthansCOVIDVaccineProtest

[marijo]

I'm proud of both Franch and Greeks for doing this protest. Greetings from Sweden

[kanatajames]

Beautiful to see these people care about their bodies and their future

[winskypinsky]

Well, the birthplace of Democracy says “No”. ✅

[abrahamthebewildered]

Some wearing masks, some not. Some vaccinated, some not. I support each group equally. The ones I don't support are the ones telling the other person what to do with their body.

[MyWorld-buib]

We can all learn a thing or two from the Greeks, the birthplace of democracy. They don't take kindly to dictatorship.

[reneefletcher]

Stand strong, Greece!! We support you!

[alibi]

Brawo Greeks. All the best from Poland
🇵🇱🇬🇷❤️💙

[ktt]

We need that passion to spread around the world, no forced vaccinations ever!

[arlene]

The same in France 🇫🇷, they don’t want poison. People are waking up.

[Multion]

"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem

[longhairfen]

We owe democracy to Athens/Greece. Salute to the Greeks!

[ΕλευθεριαΜ-νκ]

There were thousands of protestants in other Greek cities as well: Thessaloniki, Crete, patras, Katherini, Larissa etc. Hope all Europeans follow on this important fight. We have the right to choose if we want to be vaccinated or not!

[DM-uzlf]

Stand strong guys, were with you, here from the United States🇺🇸

[MrKamnum]

Feels like you should have included the part where the crowd starts calling "Resign", thousands of voices at the same time.

[florida]

Wow, this country is smart! I cant believe how blind people are where I am

[JamezAdam]

We will protest in Sydney Australia also on the 24th of July!

[Denise-bcg]

They are protests here in Canada. Show those as well.

[Rolacon]

Wow, main stream media is actually showing the other side for once

[venividivici]

Wow and double Wow...
Well done Greece!
Out bodies-our choice!

[noirmanoir]

More than "5000" people? Looks like more than 10000 people would be a more accurate headline.