Scenes From The Greek Protests

Greek police fired teargas at demonstrators in central Athens on Tuesday at the start of a 48-hour strike to protest austerity measures demanded by international lenders as the price for more financial aid. As Greece teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, parliament is due to vote this week on a package of spending cuts, tax increases and privatizations agreed as part of a massive bailout aimed at averting the euro zone's first defaultEarlier in the month, Greece's parliament backed Prime Minister G Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

The Greek Parliament has voted to back a package of deep spending cuts that should go some way to clearing a path for the release of funds and potentially a second bailout for the country by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.



Greek unions began a 48-hour strike as protests in Syntagma Square, outside the parliament building, turned violent as MPs debated the austerity package. Police fired tear gas to contain crowds and fought running battles with protestors, who attacked the finance ministry building in Athens as voting began.



Earlier in the month, Greece's parliament backed Prime Minister George Papandreou's new cabinet in a vote of confidence and stone-throwing Greeks clashed with police and tens of thousands of protesters marched on parliament to oppose government efforts to pass new austerity measures. Unions representing half the five-million-strong workforce also launched a nationwide strike, shutting ports, schools and other basic services in the Mediterranean state.



As the situation continues to develop, check back for the newest images from Athens.



Updated 29 June 2011

Demonstrators Clash with Police

Demonstrators clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki | AFP | Getty Images

Demonstrators clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors.

Protesters Arrested

A riot policeman arrest a protester during clashes in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

A riot policeman arrest a protester during clashes in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors.

Protesters Throw Stones

A protester throws a stone to riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

A protester throws a stone to riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors.

Riot Police Use Tear Gas

Demonstrators clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Demonstrators clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors.

Protesters Outside Parliament

Protesters clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens, as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. A count gave the government the 151 votes it needed to push through measures to save 28.4 billion euros ($40 billion) by 2015, and so unlock emergency finance from the EU and the IMF. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Protesters clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens, as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. A count gave the government the 151 votes it needed to push through measures to save 28.4 billion euros ($40 billion) by 2015, and so unlock emergency finance from the EU and the IMF.

Riot Police Take To The Streets

A riot policeman throws tear gas toprotesters during violent clashes in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens, as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. A count gave the government the 151 votes it needed to push through measures to save 28.4 billion euros ($40 billion) by 2015, and so unlock emergency finance from the EU and the IMF. Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki | AFP | Getty Images

A riot policeman throws tear gas toprotesters during violent clashes in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens, as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. A count gave the government the 151 votes it needed to push through measures to save 28.4 billion euros ($40 billion) by 2015, and so unlock emergency finance from the EU and the IMF.

Protests Turn Violent

Riot policemen arrest a demonstrator as they clash with protesters during a 48-hour general strike in Athens on June 29, 2011. Greek lawmakers voted Wednesday for a massive new austerity package demanded by international creditors, amid violent clashes between protesters and police firing tear gas outside the parliament. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Riot policemen arrest a demonstrator as they clash with protesters during a 48-hour general strike in Athens on June 29, 2011. Greek lawmakers voted Wednesday for a massive new austerity package demanded by international creditors, amid violent clashes between protesters and police firing tear gas outside the parliament.

Resistance Against Austerity

Amid tear gas, demonstrators hold a banner reading 'NO' during clashes with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors. Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki

Amid tear gas, demonstrators hold a banner reading 'NO' during clashes with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament on June 29, 2011 in Athens as lawmakers moved towards a vote on a massive austerity package demanded by international creditors.

Protesters Clash with Police

Demonstrators clash with police during a protest against plans for new austerity measures on June 28, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 48-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms. Photo: Getty Images

Demonstrators clash with police during a protest against plans for new austerity measures on June 28, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 48-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms.

Protests Turn Violent

An officer is on fire as demonstrators clash with police during a protest against plans for new austerity measures on June 28, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 48-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms. Photo: Getty Images

An officer is on fire as demonstrators clash with police during a protest against plans for new austerity measures on June 28, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 48-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms.

Greek Riot Police

As parliament votes on the drastic belt-tightening measures to unlock 12 billion euros (17 billion US dollars) of blocked funds from the EU and IMF, public transport was halted in Athens for the fourth general strike called this year by the country's two biggest unions. The exception of striking workers is the subway system, whose drivers decided not to strike so as to allow Athenians to swell protest numbers. Photo: Fillippo Monteforte | AFP | Getty Images

As parliament votes on the drastic belt-tightening measures to unlock 12 billion euros (17 billion US dollars) of blocked funds from the EU and IMF, public transport was halted in Athens for the fourth general strike called this year by the country's two biggest unions. The exception of striking workers is the transit system, whose drivers decided not to strike so as to allow Athenians to swell protest numbers.

Riots over Austerity

Protesters run away from riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 n Athens. Greece is set to come to a halt on Tuesday as protesters launch a 48-hour general strike against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Protesters run away from riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 n Athens. Greece is set to come to a halt on Tuesday as protesters launch a 48-hour general strike against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts.

Tear Gas

Protesters clash with riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 in Athens. Greece is set to come to a halt on Tuesday as protesters launch a 48-hour general strike against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Protesters clash with riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 in Athens. Greece is set to come to a halt on Tuesday as protesters launch a 48-hour general strike against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts.

Mass Demonstrations

Communist-affiliated unionists rally toward the Greek parliament on June 28, 2011. Greece ground to a halt on June 28 as a 48-hour general strike began to bite against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Communist-affiliated unionists rally toward the Greek parliament on June 28, 2011. Greece ground to a halt on June 28 as a 48-hour general strike began to bite against the bankruptcy-threatened government which is desperately trying to push through sweeping austerity cuts.

Protesters Setting Fires

As parliament votes on the drastic belt-tightening measures to unlock 12 billion euros ($17 billion) of blocked funds from the EU and IMF, unions have called on Greeks facing hefty tax hikes to stage mass demonstrations. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

As parliament votes on the drastic belt-tightening measures to unlock 12 billion euros ($17 billion) of blocked funds from the EU and IMF, unions have called on Greeks facing hefty tax hikes to stage mass demonstrations.

Greek General Strike

Protesters throw stones to riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 in Athens. Photo: Aris Messinis | AFP | Getty Images

Protesters throw stones to riot police during a 24-hour general strike on June 28, 2011 in Athens.

Fake Gallows

A fake gallows has been set by demonstrators in front of the Greek parliament on June 28, 2011 in Athens during a protest part of the 48-hour general strike against an austerity drive ordered by its bankruptcy-threatened government in exchange for a European bailout. Photo: Fillippo Monteforte | AFP | Getty Images

A fake gallows has been set by demonstrators in front of the Greek parliament on June 28, 2011 in Athens during a protest part of the 48-hour general strike against an austerity drive ordered by its bankruptcy-threatened government in exchange for a European bailout.

The View Outside Parliament

Protesters are seen demonstrating near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures. Photo: Getty Images

Protesters are seen demonstrating near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures.

Greek Citizens Rally

A protester wears national flags on her hand as she protests at Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures. Photo: Getty Images

A protester wears national flags on her hand as she protests at Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures.

Protests Outside Parliament

Protesters shout slogans near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures. Photo: Getty Images

Protesters shout slogans near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 22, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Demonstrators had camped outside parliament since May 25, 2011 during a peaceful ongoing rally against plans for new austerity measures.

Greek Protests Continue

Protesters chant near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 21, 2011 in central Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty Images

Protesters chant near to the Syntagma square in front of the Greek Parliament on June 21, 2011 in central Athens, Greece.

Riots over Austerity

Demonstrators and riot police clash during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty Images

Demonstrators and riot police clash during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Fires In Athens

Fire from petrol bombs burn in the street during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty Images

Fire from petrol bombs burn in the street during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Arrests In Athens

Two arrested men lay on the floor during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Vladimir Rys Photography | Getty Images

Two arrested men lay on the floor during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Tear Gas

A tear gas cloud is pictured on the Syntagma square during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Vladimir Rys Photography | Getty Images

A tear gas cloud is pictured on the Syntagma square during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Fires in the Streets

Special forces are pictured during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 24-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms. Photo: Vladimir Rys Photography | Getty Images

Special forces are pictured during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.



Greece's largest labor unions have called for a 24-hour strike, while the Socialist government is beginning to push through legislation for cost cutting reforms.

Greek Protests

A demonstrator holds a petrol bomb during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty Images

A demonstrator holds a petrol bomb during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Greek Demonstrators

Demonstrators run away from tear gas during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece. Photo: Getty Images

Demonstrators run away from tear gas during a protest against plans for new austerity measures June 15, 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Protesters and Riot Police Clash

Greek riot police officers arrest protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. Panagiotis Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers arrest protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way.

'Poverty is the Biggest Brutality'

Greek riot police officers stand guard in front of the Greek parliament next to a banner reading ' Poverty is the biggest brutality ' during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. Louisa Gouliamaki | AFP | Getty

Greek riot police officers stand guard in front of the Greek parliament next to a banner reading 'Poverty is the biggest brutality' during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011.



Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way.

Man Dragged by Police

Greek riot police officers arrest a protester during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. AFP PHOTO / Panagiotis Tzamaros (Photo credit should read Panagiotis Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images) Panagiotis Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers arrest a protester during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way.

Clashes Continue

Greek riot police officers run after protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. Panagiotis Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers run after protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted.

Protesters Arrested

Greek riot police officers arrest protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers arrest protesters during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way.

Protesters Clash with Police

Greek riot police officers confront with protestors in front of the Greek parliament during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers confront with protestors in front of the Greek parliament during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way.

Greek Prime Minister Graffiti

Graffiti of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is seen on the ground in front of parliament during a demonstrations in Athens on June 12, 2011. Protesters who have occupied Greece's main square for over two weeks, drawing thousands to their fight against austerity, called for a new mobilisation today ahead of new planned cuts. ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images

Graffiti of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is seen on the ground in front of parliament during a demonstration in Athens on June 12, 2011. Protesters who have occupied Greece's main square for over two weeks, drawing thousands to their fight against austerity, called for a new mobilisation today ahead of new planned cuts.

Police Restrain Protester

Greek riot police officers confront with a protester during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. Panagiotis Tzamaros/AFP/Getty Images

Greek riot police officers confront with a protester during a general strike against government austerity plans in Athens on June 15, 2011.

Protesters' Graffiti

Protesters gather outside the Greek parliament during a general strike against government austerity plans in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images

Protesters gather outside the Greek parliament during a general strike against government austerity plans in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under.

Riot Police Confront Protesters

Greek riot police officers confront with protestors in front of the Greek parliament during a general strike against government austerity plans, in Athens on June 15, 2011. Offices were closed and public transport on land and sea across Greece was seriously disrupted early today as a mass general strike got under way. ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images