Greek militant on hunger strike suffers kidney failure

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A hospital in central Greece says a far-left militant convicted of 11 murders is in critical condition after suffering kidney failure following 56 days of hunger strike. Dimitris Koufodinas, who is serving 11 life sentences for his role in the November 17 group, began the protest on Jan. 8, arguing that a prison transfer in December violated his rights as an inmate. The government has denied Koufodinas’ argument which was being heard in a renewed petition from his lawyers in a regional court Friday. In central Athens, brief clashes broke out during a protest between police and supporters of Koufodinas’ demands. Police used water cannon to disperse a group of protesters who challenged a cordon near parliament.