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Greek riot police clash with Muslims over Koran mutilation (Roundup)
May 22, 2009, 17:26 GMT
Athens - Hundreds of Muslims clashed with riot police in central Athens on Friday, who retaliated by spraying tear gas into the crowd - who were protesting over the alleged mutilation of a copy of the Koran by police.
Roughly 1,500 immigrants, many from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria marched towards the interior ministry and parliament in central Athens, clashing with riot police by throwing rocks and sticks.
Riot police retaliated by spraying tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing shocked and frightened tourists to run into nearby hotels for cover.
The immigrants said that during a police check on a cafe late on Thursday in central Athens an officer took a customer's Koran, ripped it apart, threw it on the floor and stomped on it.
Hundreds of angry immigrants immediately took to the streets near Omonia Sqaure, smashing shop windows and destroying parked cars.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Muslims, many who cross into the country illegally in an attempt to seek a better life, have complained of police brutality and poor treatment by officials in the past.
The majority of immigrants live in grim conditions in central Athens, and are not allowed to work and face arrest for minor crimes.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
Having lived in Greece for a number of years, the worst insult you can make is to call someone a 'Turk'. There is no love lost between Orthodox Greeks and muslims of any stripe.
'The majority of immigrants live in grim conditions in central Athens, and are not allowed to work and face arrest for minor crimes.'
Written like we are supposed to feel sorry for them. Go home! Do you Muslim mischief in your own country. You have no right to be in Greece. The police are exactly corrct except that they should spray them with pork fat instead of tear gas.
Why is the religion of peace the source of so much strife?
India, Thailand, Phillipines, Indonesia, Russia, Britain, Spain, USA, Nigeria, Kenya and a hundred other places; wherever Islam is in contact with any other religion or culture Mohammadens engage in violence against their neighbors.
Why? It is, after all, the 21st century. Why must we endure their arrogance?
No one is against Islam, but it seems Islam is against everyone else. Muslims can practice their faith freely in every western country, but Christians, Hinus, Buddhists and especially Jews are in mortal danger all around the world from Moslems.
Why are they so barbaric?
Greece, where are your men? Why do you allow them to treat you as such?
Father, Son, Holly Spirit
I support greece's policy against those barbarians, for there is no right for them to seek respect when all they do is the opposite.
Police is Absolutly right! if such acts wouldn't have been taken by police to crush any attempt of rage the muslims would have taken it and weakness and started to take advantage of it as we see in central Europe.
Jesus bless greece.
page: 1
Muslim reasoning?May 22nd, 2009 - 17:46:04
I'm in your country illegally.
I'd heard a rumor about my blessed koran.
I start smashing shop windows and destroying cars.
All I demand is respect.
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