Ninety nine people have been hospitalized in Athens in clashes between police and demonstrators protesting an unpopular government austerity program, the country's health ministry said.
Public reaction has been hostile to the proposed austerity program, needed for the country to secure further financial support. The parliament will hold a second vote on the measures on Thursday after officials approved them in a first vote on Wednesday.
Clashes continued overnight outside the parliament building, with protesters setting fire to cars, garbage cans and a post office in the finance ministry building.
According to unofficial data about 500 demonstrators sought medical help after being fired at by police with tear gas.
A police spokeswoman said that 31 police officers were injured and 43 people had been detained, leading to 16 arrests.
Amnesty International released a statement on Wednesday condemning the "repeated use of excessive force by police in recent demonstrations, including the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of tear gas and other chemicals against largely peaceful protesters."
ATHENS, June 30 (RIA Novosti)
