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Greek police clash with anarchists: Two injured
Dec 4, 2009, 11:52 GMT
Athens - Two policemen were injured and rushed to hospital in Athens Friday after clashing with anarchists, just days before the first anniversary of the killing of a teenager by police, which sparked Greece's worst riots in decades.
The street patrol officers were cornered by a group of 20 hooded youths and attacked with stones and sticks near the city's Bohemian district of Exarchia.
Reports said the officers were rushed to hospital. It was not immediately known if their injuries were serious.
The clashes come two days before the first anniversary of a police shooting in December 2008 of a teenager, which sparked the country's worst riots in decades.
Since last year's death, Greece has been plagued by violence, including bombings, shootings and arson, targeting banks and multinational businesses.
Fearing renewed violence, security officials said they would deploy more than 6,000 officers throughout downtown Athens ahead of the December 6 anniversary and planned marches.
Police said they would implement a 'zero tolerance attitude' in dealing with the demonstrations. Riot police could already be seen in the city centre stopping suspicious individuals.
The embassies of the United States and United Kingdom have issued warnings to citizens of potential demonstrations which can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence on the upcoming anniversary of the death of the teenager.
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