The Canadian embassy in Athens was the latest diplomatic mission in the country vandalized by members of a notorious anarchist collective that has more-or-less operated with impunity over the past few years, with up to 10 perpetrators this time using sledge hammers to break a reinforced glass entrance before throwing red and black paint inside.
The "Rouvikonos" (Rubicon) group later claimed responsibility for the early morning (roughly 6 p.m.) raid via a website often used by self-styled anarchist groups and urban terrorists to post proclamations, photographs and even videos of attacks.
Canada's embassy was targeted for what the group claims is the Ottawa's support for a major gold mining concession in northern Greece, which is exploited by a Canadian multinational's (Eldorado Gold) Greek subsidiary. The embassy, according to reports, is not guarded by police, but by unarmed private security guards.
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The concession, especially the Skouries complex, is virulently opposed by anti-capitalist forces, environmentalists and some of the local residents in eastern Halkidiki prefecture. A segment of the political forces in the country, including the ruling SYRIZA party, have also opposed the investment in the past.
Hellas Gold's concession, billed as the largest foreign industrial investment in Greece, has faced and overcome numerous legal and administrative obstacles over the past five years. The current foot-dragging involves the non-issuance of a handful of operating licenses by the relevant energy and environment ministry, for which the company has sought legal recourse and international arbitration.
