Police purchase 900,000 euros worth of chemicals, report says

Police allegedly used more than 2,200 tear gas canisters and stun grenades during last week’s anti-austerity demonstration.

Greek Police, or ELAS, purchased more than 900 thousand euros worth of tear gas canisters and chemical grenades last Thursday, one day after violent rioting in the center of Athens, it was reported on Monday.

The chemicals, some 10,000 items according to a report posted on the tvxs website, were bought from Israel, France and the United States.

Athens first instance prosecutor Eleni Raikou has launched a probe following complaints by the head of the pharmacies’ union regarding the extensive use of tear gas in last week’s anti-austerity rally.

The president of the Association of Pharmacies of Attica, Konstantinos Lourantos, has described the police’s behavior as “criminal.”

Members of Greece’s anti-riot squad allegedly used more than 2,200 tear gas canisters and stun grenades during the demonstration.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_04/07/2011_396972