Police Operation at ‘Exostrefi’ in Exarchia Following Chrysohoidis Statements

Hours after the statements by the Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysohoidis, police carried out an early Saturday morning (April 26, 2025) operation at the ‘Exostrefi’ venue in Exarchia. This is a well-known location on the Strephi Hill that operated as a municipal café and has recently functioned as a social hub. According to reports, no individuals were found inside the building during the operation. Police forces remain on site conducting investigations. It is recalled that on Friday (April 25, 2025), Michalis Chrysohoidis stated in new interviews that the ban on gatherings in Exarchia did not apply to all events but specifically to those at Exostrefi, emphasizing that the issue solely concerns the occupation of Exostrefi and planned events for Saturday and Sunday. In his interview with Action24, Chrysohoidis highlighted: “There is one problem. There is an event tomorrow celebrating the one-year anniversary of the occupation of Exostrefi, a municipal café. The municipality claims it intends to lease this property to a private individual. We cannot allow illegal occupation of public property. Celebrating such an occupation is unlawful.” He concluded by stating that while protests are permitted elsewhere, illegal parties involving alcohol distribution at Exostrefi are unacceptable.