Protesters Against Eldorado Gold Cut Off Road In Ierissos (VIDEO)

credit TA NEA

The residents of Ierissos in Halkidiki are escalating their protests to the gold mine project in northern Greece and from what it looks like they are not willing to back down from confrontations with authorities who want the development to go ahead and create jobs. In reaction to the arrest of two of their fellow locals, dissenters from the village of Ierisso blocked several key roads in the area.

Specifically, they threw tires across the road near the entrance to the village in an attempt to prevent access to anyone who wanted to enter, as well as in an attempt to show their contempt against the Canadian Eldorado Gold company, and its Greek subsidiary, Hellenic Gold.

Parallel to this, rallies were held in surrounding communities, including one in the city of Thessaloniki and it was announced that a demonstration has been planned for April 12 outside the Thessalonkiki police headquarters.

The protesters are convinced that the project is going to harm the environment and ruin tourism in the area, even though company officials have repeatedly stated that the project has received all the necessary permits and the environmental approval from the government.

Article in Greek - TA NEA