Rallies on anniversary of student killing by police fire end in clashes

A series of rallies organized by student unions, left-wing parties and anti-establishment groups in the center of Athens on Tuesday to commemorate the 2008 death of a Greek teen by police fire, ended in clashes with anti-riot forces.

Most scuffles took place at the district of Exarchia near the spot where the 15-year-old high school student Alexandros Grigoropoulos was gunned down by special police guard Epaminondas Korkoneas during a routine patrol.

The killing had sparked week-long riots in Athens and other cities across Greece in protest of police violence and the hardship Greek youth suffered in following years from record high unemployment.

The anniversary has been marred by violent incidents every year although Korkoneas was convicted and sentenced to life in prison six years ago.

On Tuesday, 18 protesters were detained, according to police, for pelting stones, petrol bombs and flares at police officers, causing damages to stores and setting fire to rubbish bins and at least one car.

Police forces responded by firing tear gas and flash bang grenades to disperse the groups of hooded protesters.

Some 3,000 officers were deployed across the city center to monitor the protests.

No serious injuries were reported by late Tuesday, while similar marches were organized in many Greek cities.

On the eighth anniversary of Grigoropoulos' death the Greek State Legal Council, the legal service of the Greek administration, ratified financial compensation of 800,000 euros (857,300 U.S. dollars) to the victim's mother Gina Tsalikian and his sister for mental anguish. Endit