Greek police disperse anti-NATO rally in Thessaloniki with tear gas: Reports

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Greek police used tear gas in Thessaloniki to disperse a protest against the presence of NATO forces in the country, media reported on Wednesday.

According to the Greek news portal pronews.gr, police detained 11 people, three of whom were released shortly after, and eight remained in police custody.

Now a rally is taking place near the police department to demand the release of those arrested, the portal added.

Greece expels 12 Russian diplomats

Earlier today, Greece announced expelling 12 Russian diplomats on Wednesday, becoming the latest EU country to join the expulsion wave against Russia.

"Greek authorities have declared 12 members of diplomatic and consular missions of the Russian Federation accredited in Greece... as persona non grata," the Foreign Ministry said.

The move comes under the 1961 and 1963 Vienna conventions governing diplomatic and consular affairs, the Ministry claimed.

Greeks demonstrate over soaring prices

Thousands of Greeks protested over rising costs in Athens on Wednesday, as a nationwide strike shut down public services.

According to authorities, 10,000 people marched in the capital, with more protests taking place in other large cities. Ferry and train services were halted, though airports were unaffected by the walkout.

"Compared to the cost of living, salaries are paltry," said one of the demonstrators, 32-year-old teacher Yannis Bitzoulis. "Society is on its knees," he told AFP.

On April 3, the city of Thessaloniki hosted a pro-Russia rally organized by the Greek orthodox club Holy Corps 2012, which called on the city residents to join "a patriot peaceful rally against Russophobia."

A day prior, workers of the Greek railway company TrainOSE refused to transport the US and NATO military armored vehicles from the port of Alexandroupolis to the Ukrainian border despite pressure from the company's management.