Unfortunately the non-violent, colorful, pluralistic, direct democratic 'indignados' ("aganaktismenoi") assembly protesting neoliberal IMF recipes in Athens' main Syntagma Sq., already in its 3rd week, has been attacked by the infamous riot police 'MAT' units on 15 June, following a large demonstration on a day of general strike.

In a city already plagued by air pollution, the police, besides batons, insist on using carcinogenic tear gas (banned under various treaties) despite repeated promises by the government that it will be phased out.

Still it took only an hour for the people to return to the square. Let us hope that the direct democratic experiment, in the city that gave birth to the concept, with popular assemblies being held every night in Athens and other major greek cities, will continue. The tear gas seems to have mostly affected the government, which nearly resigned later on the day, a reshuffle is expected today 16.6 and elections cannot be far.

You may follow the historic events at Syntagma sq. at http://www.real-democracy.gr/en

If you are thinking of visiting Athens, you have one more reason to do so! Don't listen to the mostly ignorant tourism news repeaters spreading fear, the city is safe and peaceful, but equally determined for change.