Hundreds gather in downtown Athens for anti-racism events

Hundreds of people have gathered at Syntagma Square in downtown Athens on Saturday afternoon, where several events were being held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racism.

Several marches are being held, including one at Omonia Square by the anti-fascist KEERFA group, and another to the prime minister?s office calling for the protection of children?s rights.

?Racism, as a mindset and as an attitude, is used to raise fear, hatred and discrimination mainly against vulnerable groups,? said Alternate Minister of Citizens? Protection Yiannis Panousis, who also described the phenomenon as a threat to social cohesion.