Greek rightists, migrants clash in Athens

ATHENS, Greece, May 11 (UPI) -- Greek police said more than a dozen officers were injured in clashes between members of a rightist group and illegal immigrants in downtown Athens.

The clashes broke out when several dozen Greek right-wing extemists Saturday attacked squatters, mostly illegal immigrants, in a deserted building that used to house the former court of appeals, the Athens Ekathimerini online daily said Monday.

Groups of extreme nationalists of the anti-immigrant Golden Dawn group were throwing rocks, firecrackers and petrol bombs on the old court building.

Police used tear gas to disperse them and detained several for hours. One protester was held for further investigation.

Some of about 500 immigrants inside the court building fought back, hurling stones at their attackers.

Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been experiencing a rise in the number of illegal immigrants, who arrive mainly by sea from North African nations.

Quoting police figures, Kathimerini said 146,337 illegal migrants were arrested while trying to enter Greece in 2008.

Greek police arrested 2,211 traffickers who were organizing transportation of illegal migrants last year.

Greek authorities ordered 88,000 immigrants expelled last year, but only 18,000 actually left the country.