Greek police arrested more than 40 people following an attack by nationalists on an anti-racist demonstration in the country's capital, Athens, on Saturday, local television said.

Demonstrators gathered in the city center in order to protest against the discrimination of immigrants following a recent attack by ultra-right nationalists on a club where Greek leftists used to gather. The building was set on fire.

Television reports said a group of nationalists had attacked the demonstration with iron sticks. Police detained 44 people following the incident. The detainees are being questioned.

A 50-year-old woman was reportedly injured in the clash and admitted to hospital.

A member of the Greek ultra-left parliamentary party said two attackers were also injured.

Illegal immigration has significantly increased in Greece over the past few years. In 2008, about 150,000 people were detained at the border while trying to illegally enter the country.

At the third Global Forum on Migration and Development, which took place in Athens in November 2009, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou announced a series of measures aimed at the integration of immigrants into Greek society.

AHTENS, January 23 (RIA Novosti)