Police officers protest transfers to city riot units

An order issued by the Greek Police (ELAS) for the transfer of officers from various departments to boost riot police units in Athens and Thessaloniki has prompted an angry response from the union representing police workers, who complain that all departments are understaffed. 

"Instead of a substantial boost, the smart alecks in charge have discovered a completely improvised method to bolster other police departments, which are struggling," the Athens police workers' union, EASYA, said.

The statement came in response to ELAS's decision, made after talks with Citizens' Protection Minister Olga Gerovasili, to move 100 officers to riot police units.

Currently, there are 1,600 riot police officers for Athens, 500 fewer than there should be. Because of this, riot police units dispatched during protest rallies comprise 10 or 11 officers rather than 16 or 18, creating...