Greece: Clashes Erupt on 16th Anniversary of Police Killing of Teenager
Riots and Protests in Athens
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Athens on Friday after thousands marched to mark the 16th anniversary of the police killing of a teenage boy, whose death triggered Greece’s worst riots in decades.
Thousands March to Commemorate Fatal Shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos
About 5,000 people joined the annual march to commemorate the fatal shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, who was 15 at the time. The march aimed to honor the memory of the teenager, who was shot dead by a policeman on December 6, 2008.
Protesters Clashes with Police
As the march ended, hooded protesters set garbage containers on fire in the Exarchia district, where the unarmed boy was shot dead by a policeman. The protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at riot police, who responded with rounds of teargas.
Thousands of Police Officers Deployed
Thousands of police officers were deployed in central Athens as part of security measures for the march on Friday. More than 60 people have been temporarily detained and eight arrested, a police official said.
Riots and Looting in 2008
On the night of December 6, 2008, hours after Grigoropoulos was shot, thousands took to the streets of Athens, torching cars and smashing window shops and looting. The riots went on for weeks.
Conclusion
The anniversary of Alexandros Grigoropoulos’ death serves as a reminder of the deep-seated tensions between law enforcement and protesters in Greece. The clashes and protests are a testament to the ongoing struggle for social justice and human rights in the country.
FAQs
- Who was Alexandros Grigoropoulos?
- Alexandros Grigoropoulos was a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed by a policeman on December 6, 2008.
- What were the consequences of the police killing of Alexandros Grigoropoulos?
- The killing triggered Greece’s worst riots in decades, with widespread protests and violence in Athens and other cities.
- What happened during the 2008 riots?
- Thousands of people took to the streets, torching cars, smashing window shops, and looting. The riots went on for weeks.
- How many people have been detained and arrested as a result of the 2024 protests?
- More than 60 people have been temporarily detained and eight arrested, according to a police official.