Exarchia has always been a hotbed for anarchist and December 6 was no exception. There were clashes with police following a rally held to commemorate the anniversary of Alexis Grigoropoulos, a 15-year-old gunned  down by a policeman in 2008.

Each year, the anniversary of his death is marked with riots and clashes. Despite the deployment of 6,000 policemen in the area, 150 anti-state rebels broke out from the rally of 3,000 people in the Athens center and headed towards Exarchia, hurling molotov cocktails on the way, putting fires in trashcans and causing damage to cars and private property.

Roads were blocked around the Athens Polytechnic and Exarchia Square by the rebels who then attempted to cause damage to a super market, and in another case, a kiosk was lit up. In at least one case, a molotov bomb made its way to a residential balcony, however there were no injuries.

Episodes were noted at Tositsas, Tsamadou, Efessou, Spyridonos, Trikoupi and Stournari streets from early on Sunday until late at night. Four police officers were injured during the clashes where the police were eventually required to make use of chemicals so as to disperse the rioters.

The Riot police proceeded to make 13 arrests, which included six minors. The youngest person arrested was just 13 years old. Another 26 people were held by police.

protothema.gr’s video of the riots: 

A battlefield around Exarchia Square

Tositsas Street

Economou Street

Tsamadou Street

Zaimi Street

Notara Street

Trikoupi Street

Stournari Street

Damage to parked cars