Heraklion: Occupation of St. Mark’s Basilica by Anti-Authoritarian Group

St. Mark’s Basilica, located in the center of Heraklion, was occupied early this morning (April 25, 2025) by an anti-authoritarian group. The occupation is a response to the eviction operation that took place last Tuesday at the Evangelismos building. The occupation of St. Mark’s Basilica, where an exhibition of Christos Mpokoros’ paintings titled ‘Passage into Light’ is being held, was triggered by the ongoing works at the Evangelismos building carried out by engineers collaborating with EMP. Mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairinos, issued the following statement: ‘We all must respect and protect public spaces and city monuments. I urge those who have occupied St. Mark’s Basilica to withdraw immediately.’ Yesterday, a protest march occurred in central Heraklion organized by anti-authoritarian groups expressing anger over the police-led eviction of the Evangelismos building. Strong police forces and MAT units were deployed in the city, closely monitoring the march due to fears of potential incidents or even an attempt to reoccupy the University of Crete building by individuals aligned with the anti-authoritarian movement.