Clashes erupt at Greek protest
- 13 years ago
Chaos on the streets of Athens.
Fighting erupted on Thursday between rival groups of protesters, interrupting a rally by tens of thousands against a tough new package of austerity measures.
Hundreds of black-clad youths hurled stones and petrol bombs at demonstrators from a labour group traditionally associated with peaceful protests.
Witnesses say more than 12 people were injured - police say one man was seriously wounded.
Security forces intervened to separate the rival groups, firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The demonstration, estimated to include more than 60,000 participants, had started out peacefully.
The clashes follow violence on Wednesday when groups of young protesters fought with police at the start of a 48 hour general strike.
Despite the opposition, Greece is expected to pass the planned cuts and tax hikes in order to satisfy requirements set by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.
Fighting erupted on Thursday between rival groups of protesters, interrupting a rally by tens of thousands against a tough new package of austerity measures.
Hundreds of black-clad youths hurled stones and petrol bombs at demonstrators from a labour group traditionally associated with peaceful protests.
Witnesses say more than 12 people were injured - police say one man was seriously wounded.
Security forces intervened to separate the rival groups, firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The demonstration, estimated to include more than 60,000 participants, had started out peacefully.
The clashes follow violence on Wednesday when groups of young protesters fought with police at the start of a 48 hour general strike.
Despite the opposition, Greece is expected to pass the planned cuts and tax hikes in order to satisfy requirements set by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.