Photo Gallery Violent Clashes in Athens
The Greek parliament has passed an austerity package that clears the way for a 130-billion-euro EU/IMF rescue package intended to save Greece from default. Violent protests against the austerity measures took place in Athens and elsewhere. Here, a Molotov cocktail explodes next to riot police in central Athens on Sunday.
Protesters set fire to a number of buildings in Athens, including a historic cinema.
Firemen try to extinguish the fire at the Attikon cinema in Athens. According to the fire department, most of the fires in Athens were caused by Molotov cocktails.
Observers said the protests were the worse riots Athens had seen in months, if not years.
During a heated debate on Sunday, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos had strongly encouraged lawmakers to vote for the austerity bill, calling it a decision of "historic importance."
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Athens ahead of the vote. There were also reports of violent protests in other Greek towns and cities, including the city of Thessaloniki and the islands of Corfu and Crete.
Dozens of buildings were burned, including cinemas, cafes, stores and banks, and looters ravaged businesses. This store's windows were broken during the violence.
At least 120 people were injured during the protests, including 50 police officers.
There were clashes between masked protesters and police until well into the night. Here, a burning store in Athens.
Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos argued in favor of the austerity bill. "When you have to choose between bad and worse, you will pick what is bad to avoid what is worse," he told lawmakers.
Members of the Greek Communist party during the debate. The two main parties in the coalition government, the center-left Socialists and the conservative New Democracy party, each expelled about 20 rebel deputies from their parliamentary groups after they voted against the package.
Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis (right) and veteran leftist politician Manolis Glezos watch the debate at the parliament in Athens on Sunday. Both men had been taking part in the protests, but sought refuge in the parliament building after police fired tear gas into the crowd.
