In the heart of Athens, Greece, the ongoing struggle against austerity measures took a violent turn as anti-austerity protesters clashed with police. The scene was chaotic and intense, highlighting the deep frustrations and economic despair felt by many Greeks.

The protest began peacefully, with thousands of demonstrators marching through the streets, chanting slogans and holding banners denouncing the government’s austerity policies. These policies, implemented as part of bailout agreements with international creditors, have led to significant cuts in public spending, pensions, and wages, plunging many Greeks into poverty

As the protest progressed, tensions escalated. A group of demonstrators, angered by the government’s perceived indifference to their plight, began to hurl petrol bombs at the police. The police, dressed in full riot gear, responded with tear gas and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning petrol, creating a hazardous environment for both protesters and bystanders.

The violence erupted in several key locations, including Syntagma Square, a central point of convergence for many protests in Athens. Fires broke out, engulfing trash bins and vehicles, while shattered glass and debris littered the streets. The confrontation between protesters and police continued for several hours, turning parts of the city into a battleground.