The center of Athens has been turned into a battlefield with clashes between farmers from Crete and riot police breaking out in front of the building of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Shortly after 2 pm the farmers from Peloponnese arrived receiving a warm welcome by the Cretan farmers. They will remain there until 5pm when they will head to Syntagma square to participate in the mass protest rally organized by the farmers’ blockades all over Greece.

Moreover, farmers from Nikaia are driving their tractors to Athens where they will remain for two hours, as it was agreed with police. About 20 tractors have already passed through Afidnes tolls and are expected to reach Athens shortly.

Earlier, violent episodes broke out at the Ministry of Rural Development in Athens, where farmers from Crete are gathered to protest.

The area in front of the ministry turned into a battlefield with fires to trash bins , broken sidewalks and damages to the facade of the building.

Police threw tear gas while the farmers responded with rocks and tomatoes. Police has arrested two farmers, while the rest of them remained at their position showing their support to the arrested farmers.

Earlier, the farmers were gathered at Vathi square at the centre of Athens, when they were informed that police forces did not allow a car with agricultural products to pass through Karaiskaki Square and headed there running.

An incredible scene was caught by the cameras showing the farmers chasing the police officers.

The farmers from Crete arrived in Athens early in the morning to participate in the protest rally organized by most farmers’ blockades around Greece.

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