Greek police detain more than 300 people in Thessaloniki raid
Greek authorities arrested 313 individuals following riots in Thessaloniki's university district.
Greek authorities are facing significant challenges with public order after 313 individuals were detained in a raid in Thessaloniki on Saturday. The detentions came after a group of people masked in hoods attacked police officers with over 100 Molotov cocktails in the early hours, as part of a violent episode related to disturbances following university parties. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and elements within the university student community.
The police are typically stationed near the university campus to prevent such disturbances, which have become common after nightlife events. However, this incident marked a notable escalation, as it is the first time so many arrests have occurred following a confrontation involving an unusually high number of Molotov cocktails. In response to the violent attack, police deployed tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, one officer was hospitalized due to burns sustained during the conflict, underscoring the dangers faced by law enforcement in such situations.
After the incident, authorities stated that all detained individuals were released without charges, signaling a light touch in handling the fallout from this escalation. The university has condemned the violence and urged for constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues that lead to such confrontations. This situation reflects broader societal issues in Greece regarding youth unrest and the public's relationship with authority.