3 Killed in Greece Debt Riots

Protesters clash with riot police during a demonstration in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens, Greece, 05 May 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

At least three people have been killed in the Greek capital as protesters set fire to a bank during a general strike over planned austerity measures.

The fire brigade said three bodies were found inside the bank in Athens. Two other buildings are also on fire, the BBC reported.

Petrol bombs were thrown at police who responded with pepper spray, tear gas and stun grenades.

Protesters are angered by spending cuts and tax rises planned in return for a EUR 110 B bail-out for Greece.

Parliament is to vote on the measures by the end of the week.

Measures include wage freezes, pension cuts and tax rises. They aim to achieve fresh budget cuts of EUR 30 B over three years, with the goal of cutting Greece's public deficit to less than 3% of GDP by 2014. It currently stands at 13,6%.

Outside parliament, a group of protesters rushed up a flight of steps, taunting MPs to come out and calling them "thieves".

Riot police forced them back, but right next to parliament, others groups set buildings on fire - including a tax office.

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