Police faced massive riots in Greece on Wednesday night as Parliament accepted the terms of a debt deal significantly more stringent than that rejected via referendum on July 5. Mass arrests of nationals from Australia, Ukraine, France, and Italy– but not Greece– occurred.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ ruling Syriza party voted for the bailout just before the midnight deadline. While it brings relief, ordinary Greeks face high taxes and an enormous cut in pensions. Other government benefits will suffer as well.
Police believe 12,500 people participated in the protests. Rioters threw petrol bombs into the city square. Police attempted to squash the protest with tear gas.