Man dies in Greek protests

A MAN injured in Greek anti-austerity protests died yesterday as hundreds of Communist unionists battled anarchists throwing firebombs for control of a key Athens square.

At least 16 people were hurt in the violence in Syntagma square outside the parliament building, the health ministry said.

As tens of thousands joined anti-austerity demonstrations on the second day of a general strike, Skai television broadcast images of a captured Communist being beaten by dozens of assailants.

Greek media said later a middle-aged man had died of head injuries in hospital.