Theodorikakos urges SYRIZA 'to respect the positive role of the police'

"The Hellenic Police are dedicated to upholding the law and protecting public order and security. The police do not attack anyone without cause. SYRIZA must come to terms with reality and respect the positive role of the police for the security of citizens and our country," he said.

In an announcement regarding the incident in Exarchia on Friday night, the Hellenic Police said that three arrests were made and 54 people detained, while two police officers were injured in violence that erupted after police intervened to break up a gathering by about 250 people in Exarchia Square, which had been called by various groups without first notifying the police. It said a public prosecutor had agreed that restrictions should be imposed and that the protestors should not be permitted to hold a march. Attempts to enforce this prompted those taking part to attack the police, the announcement claimed, and led to a police response to contain the violence.

One 23-year-old was arrested after allegedly physically assaulting two police officers and two more people were arrested for refusing to comply with police orders and small quantities of narcotics. An investigation is underway regarding the contents of a video on the internet, the announcement said.