Video: Greece protests turn violent during general strike Protesters clashed with police in central Athens after an anti-austerity rally called as part of a general strike, turned violent. Molotov cocktails were thrown at police, who responded with tear gas, and hammers were used to smash paving stones. Up to 50,000 people joined the protest, held during a general strike against new austerity measures planned by the government. "People, fight, they're drinking your blood," protesters chanted as they banged drums. The general strike shut down the Acropolis, halted flights, and schools, petrol stations and shops were closed.