Protesters gather in Thessaloniki in solidarity with the residents ofIerissos following police raid

Protesters gather in Thessaloniki in solidarity with the residents of Ierissos following police raid, a photo by Teacher Dude's BBQ on Flickr.

Last night Greek police units raided two homes in the small town of ierissos, arresting two people. The town along with other communities in the Halkidiki region of northern Greece have been protesting a controversial gold mining project which they and many scientists say will have severe environmental consequences for the region.

The protests have brought about an intense reaction from the Greek police who have regularly sent riot police and anti-terrorist units into the area and has led to a number of clashes.

For more on the background to the story follow

AntiGoldGreece blog (Mostly in Greek but with some English entries) Use Google Translate.

antigoldgreece.wordpress.com/