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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 09 Dec 2008 Title: Renewed clashes break out in Athens -------------------- Athens - New clashes have broken out between police and protesters across Greece, after the death of a 15-year-old boy who shot by police on Saturday. Various buildings were burnt to the ground in the centre of Athens on Monday, while hundreds of people wandered through the streets, some attacking banks, businesses and vehicles. A large Christmas tree in central Syntagma Square was set on fire and the windows of hotels, government buildings and department stores were smashed. Schools and universities in the city have been closed. Hundreds of students rushed to the centre of the major cities in Greece and threw petrol bombs and set fires to buildings and vehicles while the police used tear gas against rioters. Meanwhile, in Germany, a dozen demonstrators occupied the Greek consulate in Berlin, replacing the Greek flag with a banner proclaiming Greece a "murderer state." There were also protests at the Greek Embassy in London, according to reports. Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis called an emergency Cabinet meeting Monday night and was expected to meet President Karolos Papoulias on Tuesday morning to inform him of the situation prevailing in the country. Local media have reported that Athens has been thrown into chaos by the protests. Prime Minister Karamanlis has, in a televised address, appealed for calm, saying "extreme elements" were taking advantage of the situation to engage in vandalism and pledged to compensate businesses damaged. Unfortunately, extreme elements have exploited this sad event for their own purposes. The massive unrest, sparked by the death of a 15-year-old boy Saturday in Athens, was soon expanded to major Greek cities. The two police who were involved in the case have been arrested. A coroner's report shows the boy was shot in the chest. - BuaNews-Xinhua |
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