Anti-Austerity Protesters Clash With Police in Athens
The demonstrations come as Greek lawmakers consider another set of austerity measures.
Violent clashes between riot police and protesters returned to the streets of Athens on Wednesday night, as lawmakers debated a deeply controversial measure that would impose harsh austerity measures on the Greek economy in exchange for another bailout.
Violent clashes between riot police and protesters returned to the streets of Athens on Wednesday night, as lawmakers debated a deeply controversial measure that would impose harsh austerity measures on the Greek economy in exchange for another bailout.
Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at police, who responded in turn with tear gas. Dramatic video footage shows protesters and police clashing near Syntagma Square:
Other footage captured protesters setting a TV van on fire:
The debate over further austerity measures has opened up a painful split on the Greek left. Tsipras and his allies maintain that they have been forced to capitulate to European creditors in order to preserve the Greek banking system and prevent further chaos. Many others are deeply fed up with the kind of austerity measures that have devastated the Greek economy, seemingly without an end in sight.
That sense of discontent is now finding an outlet on Athens’s streets:
Protesters stand in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens during an anti-austerity protest. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police stand amid petrol bombs thrown by protesters. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police use their shields against petrol bombs lobbed by protesters. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images
Riot policemen run after protesters throwing petrol bombs in central Athens. ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A protester bleeds as he is arrested by riot police. Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
A protester burns a Greek flag in central Athens during an anti-austerity protest. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images
A protester clashes with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament. ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A protester reacts during an anti-austerity protest. Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Top image: Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
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