Greece Fire

Shocking images of the sacking of Athens, as angry demonstrators destroyed historic ruins and local businesses.

FEBRUARY 13, 2012

 

As the Greek Parliament prepared to vote on a new and deeply unpopular European Union/International Monetary Fund austerity deal to secure a 130 billion euro bailout -- aimed at saving Greece from bankruptcy and what Prime Minister Lucas Papademos warned would be "uncontrollable economic chaos" -- angry Athenians took to the streets, trashing business and putting at least 45 buildings to the torch.   

Above, a fire engulfs a historic building that housed a pre-World War II theater as clashes between protesters and riot police flare near the Greek parliament in Athens on Feb. 12. The violent clashes, the worst Greece has seen in decades, caused significant damage in Athens after demonstrators set fire to buildings and looted their way through dozens of shops at the weekend. "We have tremendous damage," said Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis.

LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images