<p>ATHENS, Greece – Far-right extremists attacked dark-skinned foreigners in the Greek capital and clashed with riot police Thursday during a protest against a deadly mugging that happened earlier in the week.</p> <p>Far-right and nationalist groups have blamed immigrants for the Tuesday stabbing of a man who was about to drive his pregnant wife to hospital, although police say no such evidence has emerged they were responsible. A makeshift shrine with candles and flowers now stands at the site of the killing.</p> <p>Thugs in motorcycle helmets beat up several immigrants, sending others fleeing for safety amid heavy rush-hour traffic. Similar attacks have occurred over the past two days.</p> <p>About 500 black-clad ultranationalist youths marched through migrant areas, and running battles with riot police broke out as youths chased immigrants down side streets.</p> <p>Riot police fired volleys of tear gas, and an AP reporter saw about 25 suspected rioters detained.</p> <p>Similar anti-immigrant rampages broke out on Tuesday night after the fatal mugging, with several hundred youths marching through the centre of the city.</p> <p>Violent far-right groups have won growing support in recent months. The leader of extremist group Chrysi Avgi won a seat on Athens city council for the first time in a November election.</p> <p>Police said Thursday they were investigating the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old Bangladeshi in a crime-ridden part of central Athens with a strong far-right presence. There have been no arrests, and the motive of the attack was unclear.</p> <p>Greece is the EU’s main entry point for illegal immigrants. Over the past few years, the capital’s centre has seen a major increase in migrant numbers, which, combined with worsening crime rates, has prompted a far-right backlash.</p> <p>The leader of an ultraright party was elected as an Athens city councillor in last November’s municipal elections.</p>
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