Nearly 80 detained at Athens protest

Nearly 80 people were detained by police in Athens after a protest against the Greek government's austerity measures turned violent, authorities said. Ekathimerini reported protesters caused heavy damage to the area around Syntagma Square in front of Parliament during clashes Thursday, and 43 people were detained at the Acropolis metro station on suspicion they planned to cause a disturbance. Two groups had fought and rocks and firebombs were thrown at members of the Communist-affiliated All-Workers Militant Front, known as PAME, who prevented rioters from reaching Parliament, Ekathimerini said. A 53-year-old union member later died of a heart attack and circumstances of his death were being investigated. Aleka Papariga, leader of the Communist Party of Greece, suggested backers of the Coalition of the Radical Left and the Popular Orthodox Rally had been among the group that attacked PAME members. Government spokesman Ilias Mosialos urged all parties to condemn violence. "Our country cannot put up with these types of incidents, especially at this point in our history," Mosialos said on Skai radio Friday.