Athens, Greece — Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Athens on Friday as thousands marched to mark the 16th anniversary of the police killing of a teenage boy.
About 5,000 people joined the annual march to commemorate Alexandros Grigoropoulos, who was 15 when he was fatally shot by a police officer in 2008. The incident sparked Greece’s worst riots in decades.
As the march concluded in the Exarchia district, where Grigoropoulos was killed, some hooded protesters set garbage containers on fire. They hurled petrol bombs and stones at riot police, who responded with rounds of teargas.
Thousands of police officers were deployed in central Athens as part of security measures for the march. Authorities reported that more than 60 people were temporarily detained and eight were arrested.
On the night of December 6, 2008, Grigoropoulos’s death ignited widespread unrest. Thousands took to the streets, torching cars, smashing shop windows, and looting. The riots continued for weeks, highlighting deep-seated tensions between young Greeks and authorities.
The annual march has become a symbol of protest against police brutality and a call for justice and reform. This year’s clashes underline ongoing frustrations among youth and activists who demand accountability and change.
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Clashes erupt in Athens after march to mark student killing by police
cgtn.com
