In the early hours of Saturday March 21st, hooligans attacked the bar Querido Coucou, where several people, among whom many gays, were attending a party.

The attackers started by exhibiting provocative behavior and continued with insults and damages. They broke tables, chairs, the vitrine of the bar, they hurled ashtrays and glasses, while chanting homophobic slogans against everyone. Right afterwards they started hitting the people who were left, causing severe injuries to many, who ended up in the hospital. Neither the police nor the ambulances ever appeared, in spite of the many calls.

It is surprising that such an incident took place at Exarcheia, one of the most tolerant areas in Athens known for its political and social pluralism. Exarcheia has attracted many people proud of their diversity, among whom many lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered individuals. Moreover, many of the political groups that are active in the area have shown support for the lgbt movement's efforts for equality.

Unforunately, such incidents are not isolated and the lgbt rights organization OLKE has received many reports of homophobic attacks in places were lgbt people gather. Such attacks are considered a result of the much too often hate speech against the lgbt community. The greek hate speech law does not cover sexual orientation, but if a crime is committed because of the victims sexual orientation, that is considered an aggravating factor. OLKE has persistently demanded the extension of the hate speech law so that it covers sexual orientation and gender identity.

A protest and march against violence and homophobia were held a week after the attack in Exarcheia.