In reference to the issue of public events in Exarchia, which has sparked debate following recent serious incidents, Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis clarified in a TV interview on ACTION24 last night that no events are banned on Strefi Hill or other parts of the area—except those related to the illegal occupation of Exostrefis, a municipal-owned venue that has been under occupation for the past year.

“I have no intention of banning any gathering,” Chrysochoidis stated in response to a related question, adding:
“Why would I, after all? There is only one problem. There’s an event scheduled for the day after tomorrow. That’s the issue I’ll explain now. This event marks the one-year anniversary of the occupation of Exostrefis.
What is Exostrefis? A refreshment venue owned by the Municipality. The Municipality plans to lease it to a private party, based on a City Council decision.
This is municipal property that was illegally occupied. So we cannot allow events that celebrate an occupation. That’s not legal.”

Continuing on the same topic, the Minister stressed:

“The ban applies only to the illegal occupation of Exostrefis. That’s it. Events can be held anywhere else—on Strefi Hill, at the Strefi amphitheater, or in any indoor space in the area.
But not at Exostrefis, where illegal parties are held. And by illegal parties, I mean people show up, bring alcohol—I don’t know what kind—and we don’t know how it’s acquired. Just like what used to happen in the universities. We tolerated that kind of thing in the past. But this is no longer acceptable.
Beyond that, people are free to organize concerts, gatherings, or whatever else they want.”

Chrysochoidis also shared statistics showing a dramatic decrease in crime in Exarchia since 2019, under the Mitsotakis administration, describing the area as “a normal neighborhood.”

He stated:

“To be clear, because I’m a politician and must be honest and persuasive, let me share some figures.
In 2019, when this government came to power, there were 1,482 thefts in Exarchia. In 2023, that number dropped to 347. In 2024, it was 385—a 74% reduction.
Robberies went from 210 in 2018 to just 17—a 90% reduction.
Attacks on police officers dropped from 149 between 2019–2023 to just 20 in 2024—an 86% decrease.
And drug-related cases dropped from 90 in 2019 to just 3 today. That’s a real and significant drop in crime.
Exarchia is now buzzing with life, especially on weekends. There are new businesses, restaurants, bars—it’s a normal, thriving neighborhood.
So what’s the problem? Why are people saying I want to ban gatherings and events?
I’m proud that during my previous term (2019–2021), we passed the law regulating public assemblies and the right to protest. The police are obligated to protect that right—ensuring that gatherings start and end peacefully and safely.”

On the topic of university occupations, Chrysochoidis said they have essentially disappeared:

“Just one recent case in Thessaloniki, in the Physics Department—an occupation that lasted 20 years, which has now ended because university authorities want to reclaim the space.
A minor case in Heraklion. In Athens, nothing.
Take the Gini building at NTUA on Patission—we cleared it out four years ago. Today, the rector has installed cameras.
There are only a few isolated cases. We no longer have campus occupations.
Anyone attempting to reoccupy a building simply hands over the keys to the university authorities,” concluded the Minister.