40,000 Protest Pension Reform as General Strike Grips Greece

Sporadic clashes broke out in central Athens Thursday as tens of thousands marched to the Greek Parliament during a general strike

Protesting lawyers shout slogans as their colleague holds up during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

ATHENS, Greece—Sporadic clashes broke out in central Athens Thursday as tens of thousands marched to the Greek Parliament during a general strike called to protest planned pension reforms that are part of the country’s third international bailout.

Dozens of hooded anarchists threw petrol bombs and stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Police said a journalist was attacked by rioters and taken to hospital but was not in serious condition.

Overall, police said about 40,000 people took part in two separate, consecutive demonstrations through central Athens. Smaller protests were held in other major cities.

Members of the PAME Communist-affiliated protest during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris