17 injured after Greek police clash with protesters

17 injured after Greek police clash with protesters

2011-05-12 08:56:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

ATHENS, GREECE (BNO NEWS) -- At least 17 people were injured on Wednesday after Greek police clashed with demonstrators as thousands protested against the government's austerity measures in Athens.

The BBC reported that police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse youths hurling stones and petrol bombs, leaving 17 people and two officers injured. According to police, several people were arrested, while almost 20,000 marched through the capital.

The march was part of a 24-hour strike that brought public services to a halt and paralyzed transport networks. Unions protested the new austerity package as many Greeks are angry over job losses, tax rises and pension and wage cuts.

According to the BBC, a four-hour strike by air traffic controllers disrupted flights. Meanwhile, unions said hospitals would be operating with skeleton staff only, schools would be closed, and all train and ferry services were being suspended.

Greece's unemployment rate went from 10.2 percent to 14.1 percent between the fourth quarters of 2009 and 2010. Last year, Greece cut salaries and pensions, while raising taxes, as the country received a bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund worth 110 billion euros ($150 billion) to avoid national bankruptcy.

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