19 Oct 2011

Protesters Clash with Police, Largest Greek Strike

Police and protesters in Athens clash outside the parliament as the so-called “mother of all strikes” is underway in Greece. Over 125,000 people are taking part in the largest protest since financial turmoil began crippling the country.

"Thieves!" and "That's enough!" read the banners of the thousands-strong crowd assembled in front of the parliament building in Athens on Wednesday. The police estimated some 70,000 people gathered for a rally in the capital alone, while the protesters themselves put the figure at over 125,000.

The multiple riot police forces gathered in the city for the occasion tried to stun the demonstrators with flashbangs. But the only effect it produced was the demonsrators booing every time they went off, as RT's correspondent Sara Firth reports direct from the Greek capital.

Eventually, some protesters, heated up by the standoff and backed by masked and hooded anarchists, started throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at the law enforceres. The police responded with tear gas. 

Nevertheless, the protesters managed to push up to the steps of the Parliament building itself, which has not been seen since the outbreak of the financial crisis in the country two years ago. A sentry box occupied by the ceremonial guards was put on fire, while huge litter piles were burning all over the capital. Source.