A small-scale riot took place outside the courthouse in the otherwise peaceful southern harbour town of Nafplio on Monday after dozens of people – identified as local Roma (Gypsies) – vented their anger over a guilty verdict against two members of their community.

A heightened police presence wasn’t apparently enough to keep the peace, with violence coinciding with the transfer of the defendants from the courthouse following the decision.

Widespread destruction of public and private property was reported by local media outlets.