University riot workshop in Athens

The workshop ‘Why do people riot?’ is being held at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) Institute in Athens from Monday 5 May to Friday 9 May.

Twenty-five people from the West Midlands involved in all aspects of civil disorder rioting have travelled to Athens.

The event consists of a week-long series of seminars, workshops, panel sessions, presentations and exercises, to discover the causes, realities and outcomes of rioting.

Participants include professionals from the emergency services, prisons, local authorities, colleges, universities and youth services.

Professionals will get involved in training on different aspects of street violence and public disorders.

Workshops offer participants the opportunity to develop their knowledge base on a number of critical areas including; understanding the social dynamics of protest, community engagement and cohesion issues, emergency planning, supporting vulnerable groups and promoting community resilience, youth engagement, public information systems and media strategy.

Dr George Kassimeris, Reader in Terrorism Studies, at the Faculty of Social Sciences and leader of the EU-funded visit said; “Greece and Athens in particular, has dealt with numerous public disorder incidents.

“The city’s responses have demonstrated that effective work in preventing street violence and extremism needs to involve partnerships across different sectors.

“This workshop will offer the UK participants the opportunity to develop their knowledge base on a number of critical areas.”

Dr Kassimeris and Dr Eamonn O'Kane, Senior Lecturer in Politics and War Studies, aim to link with Greece to take advantage of the country’s long standing experience in dealing with riots and public disorder.

Among the Greek participants and keynote speakers will be the Greek Home Secretary, Mr Nikos Dendias, the Mayor of Athens, Mr George Kaminis and the former Commissioner of the Greek Police, Mr Lefteris Economou. 

ENDS

For more information please contact Danielle Taylor in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322448

Date Issued: 8 May 2014