Riots, looting engulf central Athens, at least 10 buildings burnt before key Greek debt vote

Ten buildings are damaged and more than three-dozen people injured following demonstrations in the Greek capital of Athens.

The demonstrations came ahead of a parliamentary vote on a bill, which includes harsh austerity measures.

Lawmakers voted early Monday in favour of the bill that imposes harsh new austerity measures in return for a C130 billion ($171 billion) new bailout agreement and related deal with private creditors to shave C100 billion ($132 billion) off the country’s national debt.

The government cutbacks are not sitting well with some people.

On the streets of Athens, clashes broke out between police and some of the 100-thousand people taking part in demonstrations.

Buildings were set ablaze late Sunday amid widespread rioting and looting.

At least 10 buildings, including a closed cinema, a bank, a mobile phone dealership, a glassware store and a cafeteria, were on fire. There were no immediate reports of people trapped inside. Dozens of shops were also looted in the worst riot damage the country has seen since unrest in December 2008 following the fatal police shooting of a teenager.

CNN is reporting that police used stun grenades and tear gas to get people to go home.

This is the worst violence the country has seen since unrest in December 2008 after the fatal police shooting of a teenager.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today