ATHENS - Black-clad protesters in southern Athens have torn down a red sculpture shaped like an angel and broke its wings in a fresh act of violence against an artwork critics liken to Satan. Protests against the 8-meter high sculpture called Phylax, which in Greek means "guardian", have ranged from throwing white paint and spitting at it to attempting to exorcise it with a Greek priest sprinkling holy water. It was displayed in early December in a busy area in the coastal suburb of Palaio Faliro. Protesters have included some residents, religious conservatives and supporters of far right political groups. Late on Saturday night a group of 10-15 hooded persons tied it to the back of a truck and drove away, pulling it down, mayor of Palaio Faliro Dionysis Hatzidakis told Real FM. "It's wings are now broken," said Hatzidakis who has filed a lawsuit. "It has been severely damaged." "So, if we don't like something we destroy it ... for political purposes?," Hatzidakis said, adding that he suspected the attackers were far-right. He said they threatened to hurt an eye-witness if he alerted authorities. If the sculpture can be repaired it will be reinstalled, a spokesman for the mayor told Reuters. The sculpture was created by well-known Greek artist Kostis Georgiou who has exhibited both at home and in other countries. He told Enikos.gr that Phylax was transferred to a safe place and that he hopes "the evil shall not prevail". - Reuters