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Peaceful demonstrations are not mutiny. It is the exercise of a fundamental democratic right.' Heinz Kiefer, president of the European Confederation of Police, EuroCOP, was shocked by the way the Greek government treated demonstrating police officers in Athens. 'This is pre-democratic', Mr. Kiefer continued.
The concern was caused by the way Special Forces forcefully ended a demonstration of police officers in front of the finance ministry in Athens last Thursday. Four demonstrating police officers were injured through the massive deployment of teargas and a subsequent chase through the city centre.
In a letter to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis Mr Kiefer demands a thorough and unprejudiced investigation into the excessive deployment of force and an official excuse of the government to its police officers. 'Police officers are not slaves of the state that are given the whip when they do not behave as expected, Mr. Kiefer added. 'They are citizens who have the right to publicly defend their just interest.'
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