Greece

Forensic tests released, demonstrations intensify

Article published on the 2008-12-10 Latest update 2008-12-11 10:45 TU

Protester detained by the police during a rally in Athens.
(Photo: Reuters)

The results of forensic tests released Wednesday, said that the bullet that struck 15-year-old Alexis Grigoropoulos was deformed. Forensic experts suggested that his death may have been caused by a ricochet.

Initial witness reports claimed Grigoropoulos had been hit three times in the chest, and the coroner has reportedly not ruled out a direct hit.

Demonstrators battled hundreds of police who were defending the Greek parliament building as a one-day general strike affected banks, schools, hospitals and flights.

“This strike is a strong reply to the demands of the industrialists that propose a four-day working week, at the same time it is a strong message to the government […] and the European Union,” said Nikos Seretakis from the Greek Communist Party.  

Petrol bombs were thrown at the courthouse where two officers involved in the shooting came before magistrates for questioning today.

Damage caused by violence and looting across Athens is estimated at least 50 million euros in what has been the worst rioting since the return of democratic rule in 1974.

In a show of solidarity with the Athens protests, Turkish demonstrators today vandalised the Greek consulate in Istanbul, leaving the building defaced.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis made a televised address Tuesday announcing he would provide support to deal with the aftermath of the riots, but opposition parties and demonstrators continue to call for his resignation.

"The Greek government being part of the problem, cannot be part of the solution," Seretakis told RFI.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has confirmed he will go ahead with plans to attend an EU summit in Brussels later this week.