One million euros released for businesses, buildings damaged in 2012 Athens riot
Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on Thursday approved the release of 1 million euros in compensation for the owners of businesses that suffered damage during a violent riot in central Athens in February 2012.
The February 12 anti-austerity protest, scheduled to coincide with Parliament’s vote on the second bailout deal signed between Greece and its international creditors, saw hooded youths hurling stones and firebombs at a number of establishments in and around Syntagma Sqaure where Parliament is located.
The buildings that suffered the worst damage were the Asty and Attikon cinemas, both located in listed buildings, and the State General Accounting Office, which is also in a historical edifice.
According to a report by the City of Athens, 93 buildings in the vicinity suffered extensive damage. Cleaning crews also cleared up nearly 40 tons of debris from broken sidewalks and marble or stone ornaments broken off by protesters and used as projectiles against shops and riot police.
