After bailout, disabled Greeks seek austerity relief

ATHENS, Greece – Members of disabled groups from around Greece — some wearing white gloves to protest in sign language — have staged rallies in Athens and other cities to call for expanded exemptions from bailout-era taxes.

Chanting “the disabled won’t bow their heads,” the protesters marched through central Athens Monday and delivered a petition to the prime minister’s office, marking the United Nations’ Day for Persons with Disabilities .

Greece’s third successive international bailout ended in August but austerity measures are set to continue for several more years.

Disabled groups say their members have been disproportionately hurt by state spending cuts, creating higher poverty rates than the national average and an unemployment rate roughly double the general level of 18.9 per cent in August.