Syros Port Authority has barred a planned demonstration at the Statue of Victory and public gatherings around Kanari Square on Nov. 3, restricting protest sites near the port before the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris arrives.
The decision, posted on Greece’s Diavgeia transparency portal, directs organizers to Miaouli Square or the pavement outside the Decentralized Administration of the Aegean. Anyone gathering on the sidewalk must leave the roadway and waterfront quay unobstructed.
The authority cited public safety, local social and economic activity, and port operations as reasons for the restrictions. It said a gathering could disrupt traffic and access to the port, create a risk of clashes between demonstrators and tourists, and hinder passengers from disembarking. The order also points to possible effects on vessels, crews and port infrastructure. It says narrower measures would not sufficiently address the risks.
The Anti-War Initiative of Syros described its planned protest as peaceful and said it was in solidarity with Palestinians in a Facebook call. The group scheduled a gathering at the monument for 1:30 a.m. ET (06:30 UTC) and a rally at Miaouli Square for 7 a.m. ET (12:00 UTC) on Nov. 3. Its call also referred to earlier visits on June 5 and July 7 and alleged that restrictions had been imposed during those visits.
The decision lists the Crown Iris’ arrival at Syros at 2:30 a.m. ET (07:30 UTC) on Nov. 3 and its departure at 10 a.m. ET (15:00 UTC).
