Thousands clash with police resisting gold extraction in the village of Skouries in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece

1,500-2,000 demonstrators gathered in the village of Skouries in Chalkidiki on September 9 to protest again the commencing of the extraction of gold by the canadian mining company Eldorado Gold. The demonstration soon clashed with police protecting the mining facilities and at least five demonstrators were injured, including a SYRIZA MP. It is reported that the police used tear-gas inside the forest (photo below) causing serious risk for a widespread fire (with demonstrators putting off the fire in many cases), and rubber bullets.

At least 15 people were detained and taken to the local police station (in Ierissos) where demonstrators immediately gathered in solidarity, demanding their release. As a result, the detainees were transferred to nearby police stations in Chalkidiki, while four demonstrators have been transferred to Thessaloniki.