Demonstrators clash with riot police in central Athens, Greece, Feb. 20, 2013. A 24-hour general strike was organized by the two largest confederations of private sector workers (G.S.E.E.) and public sector employees (A.D.E.D.Y.) against the harsh and ineffective austerity measures, the sharp rise of unemployment and the government's plans to limit the labor unions' right to strike. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

An anti-austerity rally staged by trade unions and opposition left parties in central Athens on Wednesday during the first general strike of 2013 ended in minor clashes between hooded youth and anti-riot police near the parliament building.

Groups of anarchists who mingled with thousands of peaceful demonstrators hurled rocks and petrol bombs against police forces who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A peaceful protester who was waving a Greek national flag was lightly injured by the hooded youth who mistook him for a far-right activist, local media reported.

At least 10 persons have been detained for causing damages to store windows and parked cars, according to police sources.

Several times over the past three years, the massive anti-austerity mobilizations and rallies have been marred with extensive violence.

On Wednesday, strikers marched across the center of Athens and other major cities nationwide, denouncing the new wave of harsh policies promoted by the government in exchange of further bailout loans this spring to pull Greece back to growth after an acute debt crisis which has crippled living standards.