The streets of Thessaloniki, Greece, descended into chaos on March 10 as a mob of dozens targeted two transgender people.

The duo, both 21, attended an LGBTQ rally in the city set to host an international Pride event later in 2024 when they were attacked by a hooded group.

The trans individuals took refuge in a restaurant. Footage shows the mob gathered outside the eatery throwing objects inside. Two of the adults were charged with assault after throwing bottles at the trans people.

Police showed up and made 21 arrests.

Thessaloniki will host EuroPride in June, an event hosted by a different European city each year.

Greece’s decision last month to legalise same-sex marriage and grant full parental rights to same-sex couples has faced backlash from the Orthodox church and the far right.

LGBTQ+ attendees assaulted at Greek Documentary Festival - Tensions flared in Thessaloniki Greece on Sunday night (10.03.2024) as hooded rioters attacked a pro-LGBTQ rally organized to demonstrate the assault on a transgender couple by a mob on Saturday night. The mob of over 150 people targeted the two transgender individuals at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (TiDF) in downtown Thessaloniki on Saturday night. The duo ultimately took refuge in a nearby restaurant until the police arrived. At least 21 suspects have been arrested so far.

Crowds that swelled into the thousands took to the streets of Thessaloniki on Sunday night, one day after a shocking attack on a transgender couple rocked Greece’s second city. Waving rainbow flags, carrying banners denouncing homophobia and transphobia, and chanting protest slogans, the crowd gathered in Aristotelous Square, which was the site of the terrifying episode on Saturday night.

Then a group of hooded men moved aggressively toward the pro-LGBTQ+ protest. Once noticed by the gathering guard, the individuals chased the hooded men and clashes ensued. Greek police used stun grenades to disperse protesters who were fighting inside crowded cafeterias and restaurants.

The police carried out searches for people who carried out the attack and made 13 arrests. Among those brought in are also minors. It is worth noting that the city of Thessaloniki will host EuroPride 2024 next June

Timestamp (02:14-02:32) Maria Latsa, Thessaloniki Pride spokesperson
"This attack on the transgender couple has shocked us. We know that Thessaloniki is a safe city, but there are groups of people who want to disturb this peace. We will not let this pass and they will be punished as they should be according to the law."

Timestamp (02:35-02:50) Panos Konstantinos, member of Thessaloniki Europride 2024 production team
"We showed our quick reflexes as an LGBTQ+ community. We are all here, and when one of us gets assaulted we all answer back. All of us"