Crime and general lawlessness in certain parts of the Greek capital have risen to unacceptable levels, driving residents to despair at the complete absence of the state.

As though the beleaguered residents of neglected parts of Athens didn’t have enough to worry about in their daily lives, now they are seeing their neighborhoods turn into battle grounds in the turf war between ultranationalist and extreme-left groups.

The responsibility for the safety of citizens and the protection of our neighborhoods and cities rests solely with the state.

The events in Amerikis Square last week -- when locals began chasing off migrants and ultranationalists attacked businesses owned by foreigners -- and similar events in other districts and other cities that are becoming an almost daily occurrence, are pushing the country down the path of violence.

One can only hope that these clashes between extremist groups and the violence being unleashed on foreigners do not escalate further.