It is often argued that voice has a critical role to play in improving the quality of governance. Political voices can become a catalyst for improvements in other areas of well-being as well. However, the Greek government passed legislation that places restrictions on demonstrations or complete bans if protests are deemed to threaten public safety. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law was necessary to deal with “dozens of small protests” that have sparked in city centers across the country. “There are frequent cases where these events… descend into vandalism.” Amnesty International joined the chorus of criticism, expressing “serious concern” about the new law, saying that it runs counter to international human rights provisions. 10,000 protesters gathered in the center of Athens to oppose legislation put forward by the center-right government. The clashes between protesters and authorities left at least six police officers injured.
