Police last week detained a total of 28 Greek and foreign protesters occupying the building, on charges including disrupting the operation of a public entity and assistance in damaging foreign property, according to court documents.

The protesters have denied any wrongdoing.

Evidence included leaflets, Palestinian flags, two smoke flares, gas masks, helmets, paint cans and banner poles, along with a statement uploaded on a website in Greek and English urging others to join the protest, according to the documents.

The Greek protesters were released pending trial on May 28 but the nine foreign nationals – one man and eight women, aged 22 to 33 – remained in custody pending an administrative decision on their deportation.

The foreigners’ lawyers said in a statement that deportation orders had been issued, which would prevent the defendants attending their own trial.

Reuters