An investigation has been launched into the use of tear gas by riot police officers against demonstrating pensioners on Monday in Athens. Police sources have commented that no orders for use of tear gas were issued and the riot police officer took the ‘initiative’, when they noticed demonstrators tried to tip over a police bus.
Following the media reports and images of pensioners suffering from the tear gas, the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras contacted the Minister of Public Order Nikos Toskas and demanded explanations. Mr. Toskas reportedly assumed the ‘political responsibility’ of the incident, suggesting the ‘general operational responsibilities’ will later be addressed.
Although this could mean a reshuffle among the higher ranks of the police, associates of the Public Order Minister that no decisions will be rushed. The latest reports indicate that there are thoughts on removing certain police officials from their post, in order to give the impression of punishing those responsible and to prevent similar future incidents.
