[beonecenry]

The general strike shut down airports and closed schools and ministries on Wednesday as unions protested the government's EU-backed austerity measures. Many shops were shuttered, traffic was quieter than usual and Greeks faced a news blackout as the country's journalists also held a 24-hour strike.


The violence on Wednesday lasted for about 30 minutes as the march to the parliament in Athens was finishing up. The clash began after a group of around 50 young demonstrators were seen trying to approach some luxury hotels. As police fired tear gas on them, another 250 people broke free of the main body of demonstrators and threw stones at the police.

Police said at least two people were detained, while several storefronts were vandalized. The city was covered in posters and flyers calling for Greeks to strike, with the slogan "People and their needs above markets!" There were also protests in Thessaloniki and other major Greek cities.

The strike has been a crucial test of support for the unions, with opinion polls showing that around 60 percent of Greeks support the government's austerity measures. However, the unions say the plans will only burden the poor and push up unemployment. The largest private sector union GSEE said that participation in the strike had been "close to 100 percent in many areas."



A snack stand gets between the two sides.



A demonstrator protects his face as police fire tear gas at the demonstrators.



A protestor tries to shield himself as riot police swing at him with their batons.



The clashes began after a group of around 50 young demonstrators were seen trying to approach some luxury hotels.