Rioters attack police station in Athens

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-14  |     ONLINE EDITION

RIOTING youths in Athens, Greek capital, attacked a police station, stores and banks and fought running battles with police late yesterday, authorities said, as violent protests against a police killing continued for the eighth straight day.

The clashes broke out as candlelit vigils were being held to mark a week since the police shooting of a 15-year-old boy, which triggered the riots that are threatening the stability of the government.

At 1am local time (2300 GMT) police suddenly charged a peaceful candlelight vigil in Syntagma Square, in central Athens, when the crowd of several hundred people refused to back off its position near Parliament. The protesters retreated but the tense confrontation continued.

Youths -- some on foot, others riding motorcycles -- attacked a police station with petrol bombs in central Athens as well as at least three banks, several stores and a government building, police said.

Several hundred protesters set up burning barricades and attacked police with rocks and flares. Riot police fired tear gas and chased the youths through parts of the city. The protesters chanted "murderers out" and used laser pointers to target police for attack.

Violence has wracked Greece every day since the death of teenager Alexandros Grigoropoulos. The riots in cities throughout the country have left at least 70 people injured. Hundreds of stores have been smashed and looted, and more than 200 people have been arrested.

While most of the protesters have been peaceful, the tone of the demonstrations has been set by a violent fringe. And more young people have been willing to join those fringe elements than in the past.