Greek riot - 2 Afghans get life
2012-09-25 20:15
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Rioting spread across central Athens and buildings went up in flames amid mass protests, as lawmakers prepared to vote for a crucial debt deal needed to prevent bankruptcy in Greece.
Athens - A Greek court has sentenced two Afghan men to life in prison over the fatal stabbing and robbery of a Greek man that sparked extensive anti-immigrant riots in central Athens.
The court on Tuesday convicted Harodi Han Mamad and Shirzad Neinatullah of the murder of 44-year-old Manolis Kantaris on 10 May, 2010, and of stealing his video camera as he was preparing to drive his pregnant wife to hospital to give birth.
At least 25 people were hurt in an anti-immigrant rampage by far-right youths two days later - starting a wave of xenophobic street attacks in Athens.
The ultra-right Golden Dawn party won nearly 7% of the vote in general elections last June - increasing its support more than 20-fold.
The party officially condemns violent attacks.
- AP
