Three Greeks held over attack on German diplomat

Published on 17/11/2012 00:00

POLICE in Greece have arrested three men for allegedly manhandling and throwing coffee at a German diplomat during an anti-austerity protest in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

German consul Wolfgang Hoelsche-Obermaier was jostled on the sidelines of a conference attended by Greek and German officials on Thursday.

Dozens of council workers protesting against new salary and pension cuts and tax hikes were prevented by police from storming the venue. Mr Hoelsche-Obermaier said yesterday the incident had been exaggerated. He said he understood workers’ frustrations but said attacking diplomats was “excessive.”