

REPORTING FROM ATHENS -- Greeks engaged in deep soul-searching Thursday in the wake of a public suicide by a 77-year-old pensioner whose decision to take his own life outside parliament became an instant symbol of the economic pain gripping this austerity-hit country.

Dimitris Christoulas, a retired pharmacist, shot himself in the head Wednesday after declaring he could no longer bear the burden of his debts. His death sent shock waves across the country, drawing thousands of people to an impromptu protest in Syntagma Square, the site of the suicide and a focal point of public protest.

Clashes erupted Wednesday evening when militant youths began pelting riot police with sticks, stones and oranges. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse about 1,500 demonstrators. No injuries were reported, but at least 10 people were arrested during the clashes.

It was unclear whether calls Thursday, through Twitter and other social networks, for similar protests would bring crowds into the streets. Still, the suicide left pundits and politicians debating the need to address rising rates of joblessness, homelessness and economic despair as the country braces for additional belt-tightening measures to fix Greece's broken finances.