The ban due to the visit of Turkish PM Davutoglu is effective from 6am on Friday until 3pm on Saturday

The Police announced that demonstrations in the city center of Athens are banned for public safety concerns, between 6am on Friday and 3pm on Saturday.

The ban was introduced due to the upcoming visit of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu, as part of the Supreme Council of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey that is scheduled to take place in Athens. About 6,000 to 7,000 police officers are set to be deployed in the streets of Athens in order to prevent any disturbances.

Aside from the top-level political meeting though on Saturday, there are concerns over the anniversary of the murder of Alexis Grigoropoulos, which could result in major disturbances. The hunger strike of Nikos Romanos, Grigoropoulos’ best friend, may also exacerbate the situation, as indicated by a recent solidarity demonstration which resulted in clashes between police and anarchists in Exarchia.