Athens, Greece - Hundreds of Muslims clashed with riot police in central Athens on Friday who retaliated by spraying tear gas into crowds protesting what they said was the destruction of a Koran by police. Hundreds of immigrants, many from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria marched towards the Interior Ministry in central Athens, clashing with riot police by throwing rocks and sticks.
Riot police retaliated by spraying tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The immigrants said that during a police check on a cafe late on Thursday in central Athens an officer took a customer's Koran, ripped it apart, threw it on the floor and stomped on it.
Muslims, many who cross into the country illegally in an attempt to seek a better life, have complained of police brutality and poor treatment by officials in the past.
The majority of immigrants live in horrible conditions in central Athens, are not allowed to work and face arrest for minor crimes.