14 Dec 2008

More riots in Greece

4:21 pm on 14 December 2008

Rioters in Greece attacked a government building, shops and banks in Athens on Saturday. It was the eighth day of clashes following the killing of a teenager by police.

The shooting of Alexandros Grigoropoulos, 15, on 6 December has sparked the worst riots in Greece in decades.

A policeman has been charged with murder and another has been charged with being an accomplice.

The latest violence by a few hundred people followed a candlelit evening vigil marking a week since the teenager was shot dead.

Youths threw petrol bombs at banks and the police station where the officer charged with the teenager's killing was based. Police responded with tear gas.

At least 70 people have been injured in the protests sparked by the shooting.

The unrest has spread throughout the country, and has prompted calls for Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his government to stand down.

Mr Karamanlis has vowed not to be swayed by protests, insisting Greece needs experienced leadership at a time of economic crisis.