The name is absent

70

Beyond student organizers Nikos also had a number of other people he called
upon in preparation for protests, including professional protesters who also had their own
networks. Having a bad reputation, Nikos didn’t go into much detail about this group
except that they got paid (sometimes very handsomely) to bring thugs and hooligans that
mad a lot of noise, attracted a lot of attention, and often incited violence. Asked why he
would involve these people in his protests, Nikos explains that they attracted media
attention and that this was good, even if the media lambasted the protesters for their
actions. Putting out a message was important, and drawing attention was important.
Violence made an issue appear more urgent, which was fine according to Nikos.
Professional protesters were therefore essential, if controversial. Of note, some of these
organizers were rumored to be the sons of rich and influential Athenians. It is widely
believed that these privileged individuals - usually disillusioned and rebellious - used the
influence of their families to escape police detention and prosecution, plus had private
funds at their disposal for transportation and bribing. I never discovered whether this
rumor was true or not.

Continuing on, Nikos explained that one of his most useful contacts was a well-
connected member of the Athens police. Throughout the interview I was waiting for this
moment. There were suggestions on the street that police officers might be involved in
rioting, that undercover police might be part of a corrupt group involved in inciting
violence at protests to serve the desires of political puppeteers seeking to divert public
attention from certain issues, but also benefiting anarchists who, on occasion, wished to
draw media coverage. I pretended to be ignorant of the issue and Nikos continued. He
explained that the police involvement in protests was complex, and that only sometimes

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