…and what a cop that was: following the public outcry for the arrest of the broadcaster of the anti-dictatorial student radio and three others on Wednesday night, the head of the greek police (A. Tsiatouras) has been forced to resign. Additionally, after further outcry for the arrests at the demonstration in the Nikaia suburb of Athens for the death of Mohammad Atif Kamran, the government announced today that it will be withdrawing the outrageous “anti-hoodie” law, which had been introduced in the aftermath of December’s revolt – and under which, 5 of the Nikaia 8 were charged.

Finally, a joyous anti-police demonstration in Exarcheia on Thursday saw around 1,500 march through the neighbourhood and the rest of the city simply demanding: cops, out! Police presence in Exarcheia is, indeed, much less visible than it had been for the past few weeks.

In all? The head cop is out, the anti-hoodie law is been withdrawn and the cops are largely retreating from Exarcheia (for how long, nobody knows). What is going on? The newly-installed government seems to have realised that its “iron fist” show of the first few days in power was not sustainable. Even more importantly, December is now clearly visible in the horizon: “citizens will be allowed to demonstrate on the day”, declared the minister of so-called citizen protection. “No more vandalisms and destruction, however”. Thank you so kindly for allowing us the right to demonstrate, your Highness. December is coming quick and your citizen-subjects are eager to salute you!