Hundreds of left-wing students protested in Athens on Friday (11 April) against the alleged activities of the neo-fascist organisation in Greece known as "New Order".

About 2,000 students demonstrated outside a court where nine of their colleagues went on trial, accused of disturbing the peace.

The nine were arrested on 25 March when they clashed with three young people they accused of being neo-fascists.

Holding red banners with the hammer and sickle, the demonstrators shouted slogans such as "Freedom to the people", "Take the Fascists to the firing squad" and "We will crush the New Order".

They also called for the resignation of the Minister of Public Order, Mr. Solon Ghikas, whom they accused of tolerating the activities of extreme right-wing elements.

There have been several incidents in Athens and major towns recently involving members of the neo-fascist organisation, believed to be a branch of the Italian Ordine Nuovo (New Order).