Anarchists attempt raid on Spanish embassy in Athens

The anarchist group Rouvikonas barged into the Spanish embassy in Athens on Wednesday in protest over the recent violence of the Catalonian referendum earl this month.

According to media reports Rouvikonas stormed into the embassy and threw leaflets with slogans against "State oppression" in Spain and in support of "the oppressed in Catalonia, the Basque country and Spain" and unfurled a banner from the roof of the building. Police detained 10 members of the group.

The unprecedented incident took diplomatic authorities by surprise with the Spanish ambassador expressing shock but expressed praise from the swift intervention of Greek police and support from the Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

"I am still really shocked and impressed because I am not accustomed to experience these sorts of events. Thank God, everything finished well. There was no harm to people," said Enrique Viguera, Spain’s ambassador in Greece.

"The police came very swiftly. They were able to solve a complicated situation that could have become quite nasty had it not been handled with care and professionalism. In my view, the police acted swiftly, efficiently and everything finished well," he said.

"I also appreciate very much the rapid call from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, Mr. Kotzias and also from the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic. They were very emphatic to us. They showed their solidarity and assure me all their assistance in case of need," he added.