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Clashes erupt during Athens march Clashes erupt during Athens march
(about 1 hour later)
Clashes have broken out between police and protesters in Athens as the city marks the first anniversary of the fatal police shooting of a teenager.Clashes have broken out between police and protesters in Athens as the city marks the first anniversary of the fatal police shooting of a teenager.
Riot police, hoping to avoid the lengthy riots of last year, fired tear gas at demonstrators as they marched through the capital. Riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators as they marched. People were throwing rocks at police, and rubbish bins were set on fire.
People were throwing rocks at police, and rubbish bins had been set on fire. The protests are nothing like the riotous scenes of last year, a BBC correspondent says.
Dozens of schools and universities across Greece have been occupied by students ready to mark the event. But aggressive tactics have not endeared police to protesters, he adds.
On Sunday, 6,000 police were on the streets of Athens. Six thousand police were deployed on the streets of Athens.
In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, demonstrators threw petrol bombs at police and smashed the storefront of a Starbucks cafe, Associated Press reported.In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, demonstrators threw petrol bombs at police and smashed the storefront of a Starbucks cafe, Associated Press reported.
AT THE SCENE Malcolm Brabant, BBC News, Athens The streets of Athens are filling up with young people dressed in anarchist black as they mark the first anniversary of what for them was a major uprising. Squads of police in riot gear, who after the shooting last year, were regarded as the enemy of youth, are stationed on every street corner. Business along the planned route of the big demonstration have pulled down the steel shutters. Much of Constitution Square adjacent to parliament, which was the scene of several pitched battles a year ago, has been sealed off. Many young people, who had their first taste of rebellion last year, remain angry with the authorities.AT THE SCENE Malcolm Brabant, BBC News, Athens The streets of Athens are filling up with young people dressed in anarchist black as they mark the first anniversary of what for them was a major uprising. Squads of police in riot gear, who after the shooting last year, were regarded as the enemy of youth, are stationed on every street corner. Business along the planned route of the big demonstration have pulled down the steel shutters. Much of Constitution Square adjacent to parliament, which was the scene of several pitched battles a year ago, has been sealed off. Many young people, who had their first taste of rebellion last year, remain angry with the authorities.
Despite some reform of the police, the overwhelming perception of teenagers and university students, is that the force remains institutionally violent.Despite some reform of the police, the overwhelming perception of teenagers and university students, is that the force remains institutionally violent.
To head off trouble, riot police carried out a series of raids on Saturday across Athens, arresting more than 150 people, reports said.To head off trouble, riot police carried out a series of raids on Saturday across Athens, arresting more than 150 people, reports said.
The BBC's Malcolm Brabant in Athens says they have been forming snatch squads to deal with breakaway groups apparently intent on causing damage.
Greece's government has warned it will have a zero tolerance policy towards violence.Greece's government has warned it will have a zero tolerance policy towards violence.
"We want to send a clear message, we won't tolerate a repeat of the violence and terror scene in central Athens, we won't hand Athens to vandals," said Citizen Protection Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis."We want to send a clear message, we won't tolerate a repeat of the violence and terror scene in central Athens, we won't hand Athens to vandals," said Citizen Protection Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.
Memorial serviceMemorial service
Family and friends of teenager Alexandros Grigoropoulos will hold a memorial service in Exarchia district of Athens on Sunday evening to mark a year since his killing.Family and friends of teenager Alexandros Grigoropoulos will hold a memorial service in Exarchia district of Athens on Sunday evening to mark a year since his killing.
They have appealed for calm, but posters have appeared in the capital saying: "We won't forget, we won't forgive."They have appealed for calm, but posters have appeared in the capital saying: "We won't forget, we won't forgive."
On Saturday, two cars were set alight in the Exarchia.On Saturday, two cars were set alight in the Exarchia.
Police said up to 150 foreign anarchists arrived this weekend from Italy, France and other European countries.Police said up to 150 foreign anarchists arrived this weekend from Italy, France and other European countries.
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has acknowledged that the weekend is a "crucial moment" for his new socialist government and for the nation.Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has acknowledged that the weekend is a "crucial moment" for his new socialist government and for the nation.
Extra police were on the streets to cope with expected violenceExtra police were on the streets to cope with expected violence
"All of us, citizens, political leaders, parties, students representatives, we must protect Athens," he said."All of us, citizens, political leaders, parties, students representatives, we must protect Athens," he said.
Shop owners in the Greek capital had braced for trouble although some believe it will not be as bad as last year.Shop owners in the Greek capital had braced for trouble although some believe it will not be as bad as last year.
"Like all other shops on this street, we have put [up] steel shutters," said Athens music store manager George Stouraitis."Like all other shops on this street, we have put [up] steel shutters," said Athens music store manager George Stouraitis.
"But I don't think anything major will happen this year because the government is still young.""But I don't think anything major will happen this year because the government is still young."
The BBC's Malcolm Brabant, in Athens, says police hope to repeat the success they had with an annual demonstration two weeks ago which normally ends in violence. Our correspondent says police hope to repeat the success they had with an annual demonstration two weeks ago which normally ends in violence.
Officers managed to contain trouble by briefly detaining 300 youngsters, he says.Officers managed to contain trouble by briefly detaining 300 youngsters, he says.
Two police officers have been charged with the murder and attempted murder of Alexandros. Their trial is due to begin in the New Year.Two police officers have been charged with the murder and attempted murder of Alexandros. Their trial is due to begin in the New Year.


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