Greek Police, Protesters Clash

Greek police and protesters clashed Wednesday at an anti-austerity demonstration outside the Parliament. At least 14 police officers were reportedly hospitalized Wednesday afternoon as a group of hooded demonstrators threw stones, chunks of marble, and gasoline bombs; police retaliated by releasing tear gas on the crowd. An estimated 100,000 people marched through Athens during the first day of the general strike protesting the government’s vote on harsh new austerity measures meant to cut back on the nation’s debt problem. Aside from the protests, Athens was quiet Wednesday as government departments, businesses, and public services were all shut down, and posters outside stores read, “We are shutting down for the day so that we don’t shut down forever.”