Tsipras both hero and villain ahead of Greece bailout referendum
Thousands hold rival rallies, with the prime minister urging the people to say 'No', insisting that will strengthen his hand in talks with creditors
A warrior for the "No" supporters, an "emperor with no clothes" for the "Yes" camp - thousands of people demonstrated at rival rallies in Athens where Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was both hero and villain.
More than 25,000 Greeks gathered in the shadow of the parliament for the "No" rally while another 22,000 people filled a square in front of a nearby stadium, ahead of Sunday's bailout referendum to determine the country's financial future.
"I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to be afraid, I'm going to say 'No'!" chanted Tsipras supporters as they descended on Syntagma square - the scene of violent anti-austerity riots in the past.
Tsipras, wearing a crisp white shirt and walking with a swagger, was escorted from the prime minister's office to the square by 200 or so supporters, who cheered and whooped as the world's media looked on.
Addressing the crowd, he called on Greeks to vote "No" so the country could "live with dignity in Europe".
"This is not a protest. It is a celebration to overcome fear and blackmail," he told a crowd of 30,000 as they roared oxi, oxi - "no, no."