ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Today's demonstrations in Athens -- a protest against the Greek government's austerity measures -- have brought street clashes between police and rioting youths.
Tens of thousands demonstrated during a nationwide strike. Hundreds of youths in masks and hoods punched and kicked motorcycle police, knocking several off their bikes. Riot police responded with volleys of tear gas and stun grenades.
Police say 16 suspected rioters were detained and two officers were injured.
Rioters also used sledge hammers to smash the glass fronts of more than a dozen shops, banks and a movie theater.
Today's strike -- the second in a week -- brought Greece to a virtual standstill. All flights were grounded, and public transportation came to a halt.
State hospitals have been operating with emergency staff only.
Concerns about a possible Greek default on its debts have undermined the euro for all 16 countries that share it. Under pressure from the EU, Greece has announced $6.5 billion in savings, partly through public sector salary cuts and consumer tax hikes.
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<<APPHOTO ATH107 (03/11/10)>>
: Masked rioters set fire to a car during a demonstration against the Greek government's austerity plan in Athens, Thursday, March 11, 2010. Street clashes have erupted between rioting youths and police in central Athens as more than 30,000 people demonstrated during a nationwide strike against the government's austerity measures.
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