Flames from a molotov cocktail flare up near Greek riot police as they stand guard near a protest march by Greece’s Communist party in central Athens during a 24-hour labour strike October 18, 2012 (Reuters / John Kolesidis)
Youths have clashed with the Athens police force, pelting officers with stones and petrol bombs during an anti-austerity march. More than 20,000 people have gathered in the Greek capital in a 24-hour strike against wage and pension cuts.
Anti-austerity activists faced down police officers, throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks in the center of Athens. Police responded firing teargas into the group of adolescents to disperse them.
Millions across Greece are participating in a mass 24-hour strike in a bid to convince politicians to let up on the latest round of crippling austerity measures.
Authorities have deployed 4,000 extra police throughout the Greek capital to maintain law and order during the protests.
