18.1.13

Despite the constant rain, citizens of northeast Halkidiki protesting the operation of a gold mine have closed the Thessaloniki – Ouranoupoli national highway, near Ierissos. The Committee against the gold mine has closed the road, interrupting traffic towards Thessaloniki and Agio Oros.

The protesters issued an announcement, stressing that they are “determined to protect our land from gold diggers and the interests of few who ravage the land and our lives”. There are thoughts about blocking the high way over the weekend. Traffic police have been on-site since the morning, to divert traffic through alternative routes and reduce congestion.