At protest, Greek police seek friendlier image

[Joanne98]

ATHENS, Greece: About 400 police officers in Athens demonstrated against violence Thursday, following riots in Greek cities and attacks on police by a terrorist group.

Some protesters were in uniform as they gathered in the city's main Syntagma Square.

Last months' riots were sparked by the fatal police shooting Dec. 6 of a teenage boy. Police were targeted in shootings Dec. 23 and Jan. 5; one officer was seriously wounded.

The far-left group Revolutionary Struggle has claimed responsibility.

"Our colleagues are not afraid," said Giorgos Vlachos of the Greek police officers association. "Of course we remain on guard — that is our duty."

Vlachos said police are hoping to improve their image.

The Beatles' song "Let it be" blared as police gathered under a banner that read "no to violence."

"We are protesting because we are part of society," said Vassilis Alimaras, a 23-year-old policeman. "Violence against the Greek police is violence against Greek society. We're against any kind of violence."

In a 9,000-word statement published in an Athens newspaper Thursday, Revolutionary Struggle vowed to continue attacks on police.

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http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/15/europe/EU-Greece-Police-Rally.php