Athens clashes sparked by fascist rally

Members of the nationalist Golden Dawn group supported by other right-wing extremists held an anti-immigrant rally early this afternoon at Omonia Square in downtown Athens. The rally sparked a response by leftists and anarchists who held separate anti-fascist demonstrations and clashes continued into the evening.

The fascists atacked immigrants with crowbars and stones. Their assault against an immigrant support center was repulsed. Most provocative of all was the police stance, with two anti-riot squads, motor cops and undercover law enforcement officers supporting the fascist action and chasing away all who opposed them. By some accounts they also set traps for the progressive factions in concert with the fascists.

Clashes and skirmishes extended into the Exarchia quarter.

The following pictures and more photo material may be found here.