ATHENS - Tension is flaring in Greece as thousands of protesters encircled the parliament Sunday afternoon ahead of a crucial vote after midnight on the new debt deal reached with international lenders last week to avoid a Greek default next month.
A policeman and a photo journalist were slightly injured, according to local media, when protesters clashed with anti-riot police during a mass anti-austerity rally staged by labor union s and Leftist parties.
According to estimates, some 25,000 people joined the mobilization chanting slogans such as "We say no to the thieves who condemn us to poverty."
Tear gas was used to dispel hooded protesters, who have started pelting rocks and petrol bombs against police forces.