Demonstrators clash with police

On 24 January 2009 youth anarchists fought with police officers in central Athens, while additional clashes were reported in Thessaloniki and Patra. In Athens, at least 1,000 people were marching along Alexandras Avenue when a group of anarchists broke away and began to instigate the violence. The demonstrators were demanding that authorities release the people who were arrested during riots that occurred in December 2008 after police officers shot and killed a teenager. Riot police officers eventually dispersed the rioters using tear gas. At least 31 stores, nine banks and 25 vehicles were damaged in the rioting in Athens, while 24 police officers were injured.