16 arrested over far-right assault on police in Athens

Sixteen individuals, including three minors, have been arrested over an attack against police in the Athens neighborhood of Ilisia on Sunday.

The suspects were part of a larger group of nationalist and far-right organizations that were heading to Rigillis Square to commemorate the anniversary of the deaths of three Greek Navy officers killed during the 1996 Imia crisis that brought Greece and Turkey to the brink of war.

A police mediator informed them that they would not be allowed to reach the monument due to a counter-rally held by members of left-wing and anarchist organizations on the same square.

Police say that around 80 individuals subsequently attacked a contingent of the DRASI motorcycle-unit who were stationed near Mavili Square, pelting them with stones, wooden sticks and at least five flares. No police were injured during the assault.

A chase ensued, resulting in the arrest of the 16 individuals near Mavili Square, where they threw ammunition on the ground.

Police confiscated one used flare, 20 unused flares, 29 wooden poles, helmets and gloves at the site.