Anti-terrorist policeman killed in Athens gun attack (2nd Roundup)

Jun 17, 2009, 12:20 GMT

Athens - An anti-terrorist policeman was shot dead in central Athens Wednesday while guarding a witness in a protection programme, in the worst attack since riots in December launched a wave of violence in Greece.

The 40-year-old officer was sitting in his car in the Ano Patissia area, guarding the witness involved in a case against a left-wing terrorist group when unknown gunmen shot him several times at close range.

He died at the scene while the two gunmen fled by motorcycle, witnesses said.

The officer had been guarding a witness who was placed in a protection programme after testifying against the now inactive People's Revolutionary Struggle (ELA) group in 2004.

Police said there was no advanced warning or any claim of responsibility for the early morning attack.

The attack was similar to the shooting of a policeman in January, for which the left-wing Revolutionary Struggle terrorist group claimed responsibility. That officer survived.

Greece has been plagued by daily bombings and arson attacks on banks and multinational businesses since police shot a teenager in December. The shooting sparked the worst riots the country has seen in decades.

The violence that was being orchestrated by left-wing and anarchist groups have embarrassed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' government, which has been criticized for its inability to protect the public.

The government has vowed to crack down on the increasing violence against police, political and business targets and has sought advice from Scotland Yard.