Riots erupted last night in the Exarchia neighbourhood of Athens.
Unidentified individuals threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and stones at the neighbourhood police station. Several cars and motorcycles caught fire. Police used tear gas to disperse the rioters and made over 70 arrests, Greek channel EPTNews reported on Sunday, citing security sources. One person was slightly injured, according to emergency services.
The unrest reportedly began after a music event in a local park, witnesses said. Around midnight, approximately 50 people started attacking the nearby police station. The riots quickly spread to adjacent streets.
Journalists on the scene reported that the situation had calmed by Sunday morning.
Police suspect the riots may be related to a train crash about two years ago that killed 57 people. On Friday, unidentified individuals bombed the headquarters of Hellenic Train, Greece’s main passenger and freight rail transport provider. No one was injured in the attack, and investigations are ongoing.
Many relatives of the crash victims and political parties accuse the rail company and the conservative government of neglecting the railway system.
Exarchia has long been regarded as a stronghold of autonomous and far-left groups. Many public institutions, such as banks and post offices, have left the area. Numerous residents have also relocated, often turning their flats into holiday rentals listed on platforms like Airbnb.
