A peaceful protest demanding justice for the victims of the deadly Tempi train crash turned violent Sunday evening in central Athens, as masked individuals clashed with riot police.
An estimated 30,000 people gathered in Syntagma Square earlier in the day to commemorate the 57 lives lost in the February 2023 tragedy and demand accountability for the disaster.
However, as the protest dispersed, a group of about 50 hooded individuals attacked police with Molotov cocktails and projectiles.
Police responded with tear gas to disperse the attackers, who also vandalized property and hurled marble slabs at officers.
The clashes spread to nearby streets, leading to further confrontations.
Authorities confirmed that 12 people were detained for questioning, with one arrest made.
Four police officers were injured, and police equipment was damaged.
"Following the conclusion of the events held at Syntagma Square, during the dispersal process, a group of approximately 50 individuals concealed themselves within the crowd and then moved toward police forces on Filellinon Street, launching attacks with objects and Molotov cocktails," the Attica General Police Directorate said in a statement.
While the majority of protesters remained peaceful, the eruption of violence overshadowed the demonstration and its message of justice for the Tempi victims.