Police rejects claims of Athens riot conspiracy

The police has rejected accusations levelled at the force by Communist Party (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga that it placed agents provocateurs among hooded rioters that clashed with unionists affiliated to KKE during anti-austerity protests last week.

The police is regularly accused of controlling groups of rioters, but the force?s spokesman, Thanassis Kokkalakis denied this had happened systematically.

?It is not possible that over the course of so many decades and the serving of so many ministers and police chiefs that nothing was brought to light,? he said. ?I do not think that such a possibility exists.?

Citizens? Protection Minister Christos Papoutsis has ordered an investigation into Papariga?s claims.