SGN News Blast: Greece Metro Station Protests Violent clashes erupt over new metro station

Fierce clashes erupted between Greek police and scores of protesters over the construction of a new metro station in the Athens neighbourhood of Exarchia on Tuesday.

Chaos ensued when police were called to intervene as activists attempted to block workers, who were trying to set up a construction site for the new metro station.

Clashes took place multiple times throughout the day as officers attempted to drive the demonstrators away from the metro construction site.

Many residents in the self-governing anarchist neighbourhood oppose the metro station and fear it will lead to gentrification in the largely bohemian area. The project is already several months behind schedule due to staunch resistance from the community.

According to local sources, Infrastructure Minister Kostas A. Karamanlis announced earlier the work would proceed despite the protests.