A permanent road block in Ierissos, where people, citizens and activist surveile the entrance of Ierissos to prevent police attack.
Activists preparing the location for an antigold solidarity concert in Ierissos.
A night view of the road block in Ierissos.
In the birthplace of the ancient philosopher Aristotle, a popular movement fight against the aperture of a new gold mine in the Skouries forest, owned by El Dorado Gold, a canadian company. In Halkidiki region, in the north of Greece, El Dorado is planning to build a combination of open-pit and underground gold mines, linked to its existing Stratoni lead-zinc mine.
In December 2003, the Cassandra Mine assets of TVX Hellas S.A. in the Halkidiki peninsula were transferred by law to the Greek State for 11 million euros. They were sold the same day to Hellas Gold S.A. for the same price, without any economic assessment of the assets or an open competition.
According to Greek mining regulations, the company has full possession of the minerals contained in the concessions granted and there are no royalties payable to the State – providing little economic security to the region or the State. Due to current political instability in Greece and the accompanying state-wide austerity measures, Greek authorities have displayed little tolerance for displays of opposition from citizens in the region.
At the end of October 2013, the movement was accused to be "a criminal organization" after tapping journalists and activists.
Photos and Text by Michele Lapini
Activists outside the Court of Poligiros during a trial against the antigold movement.
View of Ammouliani island from Ouranopoli, 10 km far from Ierissos.
Asterix and Obelix banner in a road block in Ierissos surveilled by the antigold movement.
Maria Kadoglou, an antigold activist.
The beach of Stratoni and the mines infrastructure. In december 2012, more than half a mile of the bay, known for its large sandy beaches, clear waters, and abundant fishing, was streaked with pollution leaked from Stratoni.
Asterix and Obelix banner in a road block in Ierissos surveilled by the antigold movement.
Road block during the night in Ierissos.
Tires in a road block in Ierissos.
Since April 2013 there are two road blocks in Ierissos, surveilled 24h by activists.
The police station in Ierissos burned in April 2013, after a police operation to arrest some activist in the village. Since April 2013 the police didn't come to Ierissos.
People in the road block in Ierissos
Skouries forest, where the El Dorado Gold company is building a new gold mine
An activist during a demonstration in Skouries forest, to protest against the installation of a new gold mine by El Dorado Gold, a canadian company.
Skouries forest, where the El Dorado Gold company is building a new gold mine
Street salesman in the centre of Ierissos
Activist preparing the traditional souvlaki during a solidarity event in Ierissos.
Child play during the solidarity music festival in Ierissos this summer.
Two elderly people stand in front an antigold banner in Ierissos.
The centre of Ierissos, a small village in Halkidiki with around 3,000 inhabitants.
Katerina Igglezi, a member of Greek Parliament with the Coalition of the Left (SYRIZA) in her office in Ierissos.
Graffiti against the gold mines in Ouranopoli, the last village before the Monte Athos territory.
Graffiti against the gold mines in Ouranopoli, the last village before the Monte Athos territory.
An antigold activist at the road block in Ierissos.
A road block situated in one of the main entrance of Ierissos, a small village without police station since it has burned in April 2013.
Activists' defense lawyer after the trial in Poligiros.
Activists are waiting for the trial in Poligiros where a couple of women are accused of violence and resistance against a police officer.
During the trial against antigold mines activists in Poligiros
Antigold banner at the entry of Lerissos. This small village is the hearth of antigold protest in struggle against the new gold mines in Skouries forest.
A boa builer discussing the consequence of mines for his job. Tourism, fisheries and agriculture are affected by the mines' activities.