Thousands march in Athens to protest inflation on anniversary of 1973 demonstration

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Athens, Greece on Thursday to mark the anniversary of a 1973 student uprising against the military dictatorship then ruling Greece.

The protest was led by students carrying a Greek flag stained with the blood of students who died during the revolt at Athens Polytechnic.

The annual march, seen by protesters as a demonstration to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy, ends at the U.S. embassy, as many Greeks accused the United States of supporting the 1967-1974 military dictatorship. It is also used to express grievances over current policies in education, politics and the economy, such as rising inflation that has crippled households following a surge in energy prices.

"The uprising at the polytechnic lives on, and the people are showing resistance to the unresolved problems that exist today, high prices, and profiteering," said protester Vangelis Giougis.

Thousands of police were deployed for the march, which often ends in violent skirmishes between protesters and officers.

Earlier, people laid wreaths and carnations on the toppled gate in the courtyard of Athens Polytechnic.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca
Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews #Greece #Inflation