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Fire on the streets
A petrol Bomb explodes near riot police during the protest Reuters

Protesters have thrown firebombs and engaged in running battles with police on the streets of Athens as violent protests against EU-sponsored austerity cuts shake the country.

The violence started as thousands of striking workers marched on parliament in protest against austerity measures prescribed by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

The new bailout agreement is expected to pass when parliament votes on it next week. More protests are expected to take place during the voting procedure.

European Union International Monetary Fund