Explained

The impetus behind these protests is the shooting death of 15-year-old Alexandros Alexis Grigoropoulos at the hands of a policeman.

It is estimated that in Athens alone, 200 stores, 50 banks and countless cars have been destroyed. Other cities are experiencing similar riots, and the country has been brought to a standstill.

What are the origins of the riots?

The impetus behind these protests is the shooting death of 15-year-old Alexandros Alexis Grigoropoulos at the hands of a policeman. The suburb in which Alexis was shot is base to the anarchists and antiestablishment forces. The anarchists far-left groups have a long-standing tradition of rivalry with the police forces and Alexis provided the pretext to previously planned riots. The anarchists are also anti-government, and their power puts the already fragile government of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in severe jeopardy. The riots stem from dissatisfaction against the governments economic policies and its failure to implement social reforms. Unemployment is at a high and poverty on the increase.

why is the govt controversial?

The public is dissatisfied with illegal economic deals known as the 8220;Land Deals8221; finalised under the government of Karamanlis. The deals originated under the leadership of the predecessor socialist government in 1999. However, key members of Karamanlis8217; government were involved in the purchase of 250 plots of land. It was only in October of this year that Karamanlis put a hasty stop to these deals raising doubt as to whether he was involved in it from the very start. The sale of this land cost the taxpayer an estimated 136 million Greek Judicial Enquiry.

Who are the leaders of the rioTs?

The anarchists are the main agitators in the current riots and weak policing has led to their flourishing. They operate predominantly out of Exarchia. They enjoy a great deal of public support and are operating legally due to a constitutional loophole. The rioters have brought several cities to a standstill, and threaten further action.

Why is the govt unable to stop them?

The headquarters of the rioters is the Athens Polytechnic. The police do not have the power to enter universities as specified by the constitution 8212; known as 8220;university asylum8221; enacted following the riots of 1973 and therefore, the anarchists are operating with free will and are their actions are legally justified. Karamanlis had tried to alter the constitution 2006 with regards to 8220;university asylum8221; but failed to attract cross party support.

Alia Allana