In pictures: Protests turn violent as Angela Merkel arrives in Greece
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was met by violent protesters as she arrived in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012 to meet with conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Ms. Merkel's recent visit to Greece is her first since the euro zone crisis began three years ago.
Riot police shields are splattered with paint thrown by protesters during a protest in front of the parliament in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012 as German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes her first visit to Greece since the eurozone crisis began here three years ago. Her five-hour stop is seen by the government as a historic boost for the country's future in Europe's shared currency, but by protesters as a harbinger of more austerity and hardship.
Police try to disperse protesters during a violent protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Athens. Tens of thousands of angry Greek protesters filled the streets of Athens on Tuesday to greet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who offered sympathy but no promise of further aid.
Protesters kick a police barricade outside the parliament during a violent protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012.
Riot police stand guard in front of demonstrators during a protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012.
A protester is arrested during clashes in front of the parliament in Athens. More than 7,000 police will be on hand, cordoning off parks and other sections of central Athens, to keep demonstrators away from the German leader who is due to arrive today in the Greek capital for talks with conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.
Greek President Karolos Papoulias (right) meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) at the presidential palace in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012.
Protesters set barricades during a protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Athens.
A protester kicks a riot policemen guarding the parliament in Athens during a violent protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.
A protester throws a burning cardboard box during a violent protest against the visit of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Athens.
A nude protester runs during clashes in front of the parliament in Athens on Oct. 9, 2012.
Riot police arrest a demonstrator during clashes in front of the parliament in Athens. German Chancellor Angela Merkel got a hostile reception from ordinary Greeks Tuesday when she flew into Athens .