March 23, 2007

Controversial Higher-Education Reforms Spark Riots in Athens

By AISHA LABI

The Greek Parliament passed a controversial education bill this month that sparked rioting in the streets of Athens. Police said it was the worst unrest the city had seen for years. At least 20 people were injured, 47 were detained, and 11 were arrested, the Associated Press reported.

The protesters, whose number was estimated at 15,000, included students, professors, and members of labor unions opposed to the conservative government's higher-education proposals. They began gathering