ATHENS — Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Athens on Friday after thousands marched to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the police killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, a 15-year-old boy whose death ignited Greece’s worst riots in decades.
Approximately 5,000 people joined the annual march, reflecting deep-rooted tensions over police conduct and youth disenfranchisement. The demonstration began peacefully but escalated as it concluded, with hooded protesters setting garbage containers ablaze in the Exarchia district, the very place where Grigoropoulos was fatally shot by a policeman in 2008.
Protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at riot police units, prompting officers to respond with rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowds. The air filled with smoke and the echoes of confrontation, reminiscent of the turmoil that engulfed Athens following the teenager’s death years ago.
In anticipation of potential unrest, thousands of police officers were deployed across central Athens as part of heightened security measures. A police official reported that more than 60 individuals were temporarily detained, with eight arrests made in connection to the clashes.
The killing of Grigoropoulos on December 6, 2008, had sent shockwaves through Greece, leading to weeks of violent riots where thousands took to the streets, torching cars, smashing shop windows, and engaging in widespread looting. The incident became a symbol of resistance against police brutality and sparked debates about social inequality and youth prospects in the country.
This year’s march not only served as a memorial but also highlighted ongoing grievances within Greek society. Participants demanded justice and reforms, calling attention to the challenges that still persist more than a decade after the events that shook the nation.
The recurrence of violence during the anniversary underscores the complexities of healing past wounds and addressing current societal issues. As Athens confronts the aftermath of these clashes, questions remain about how to bridge divides and foster a dialogue that leads to meaningful change.
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Clashes erupt in Athens after march to mark student killing by police
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