Minister blames police for failure to crack down on city violence

Citizens' Protection Minister Nikos Toskas on Thursday responded to criticism that he is not doing enough to curb a recent spate of anarchist-related violence by suggesting that the Hellenic Police (ELAS) is to blame.

Toskas was visiting ELAS's headquarters in Athens for the launch of a new, more intensive policing program for the capital's city center when he demanded more efficiency from an assembly of officers, particularly in response to a recent spike in vandalism and attacks on businesses and public offices related to anarchist groups.

His speech also came after a hand grenade attack on an Athens police station earlier this week and after a mod of some 30 to 40 people smashed shop windows on the Ermou high street on Wednesday.

"I am not happy with your performance and especially in regards with the handling of the most recent incidents," Toskas told the...