By Sama Marwan,
Riots erupted last night in the heart of the Greek capital, Athens, plunging the popular British tourist district of Exarchia into chaos, as Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and stones were thrown at a local police station in a surprise night attack.
Fires broke out across Exarchia, a vibrant and rebellious neighborhood at the heart of Athens, as chaos swept through its narrow streets. Molotov bombs, exploding fireworks, and flying rocks lit up the night sky after a group of masked rioters launched an assault on the local police station.
Riot police responded with tear gas, but the disorder quickly escalated. By sunrise, more than 70 people had been arrested, cars were torched, and the city was left in a state of panic.
What Sparked the Riots in Athens?
The violence broke out when a group of around 50 individuals left a nearby concert and attacked the Exarchia police station, according to eyewitness accounts reported by ERTNews. What began as a targeted assault soon turned into widespread rioting in the surrounding streets.
Several parked cars and motorcycles were burned, prompting riot police to fire tear gas to disperse the attackers. By Sunday morning, the smoke had cleared, but over 70 arrests had been made, and one person was reported lightly injured, according to Greek security sources.
Exarchia, long known for its festive atmosphere and history of political activism, has often been a hotspot for clashes with police. However, the scale and intensity of this weekend’s violence shocked even long-time residents.
Greek media linked the unrest to growing public anger over a tragic train accident that occurred two years ago, killing 57 people. The disaster, still fresh in the national memory, has fueled ongoing accusations against Hellenic Train, the country’s main rail operator, and the conservative government, both accused of neglecting Greece’s crumbling rail infrastructure.
Tensions were already high following a bomb attack on the headquarters of the Greek train company last Friday. While no injuries were reported, the blast reignited public outrage, likely contributing to the Saturday night unrest.
As authorities continue to investigate the exact motives behind the riots, a mix of grief, anger, and long-standing distrust in government institutions appears to have created a volatile cocktail in Exarchia.
Footage from the scene shows burning debris, shocked residents, and wailing sirens piercing the night. Shops and homes in the area were also damaged, adding to the destruction. Police maintained a heavy presence on Sunday to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
