Thessaloniki: 38 arrests after police operation at the Polytechnic School of AUTH
A police operation at the Polytechnic School of AUTH in Thessaloniki resulted in 38 arrests for disturbing the functioning of the institution.
A police operation was carried out at the Polytechnic School of AUTH in Thessaloniki shortly after midnight due to individuals remaining on site despite a ban by the university authorities against events after 10:00 PM that lack an academic or research-related character. This measure was taken in response to recent incidents of unrest. During the operation, 48 individuals were apprehended by the Hellenic Police, of which 38 were arrested for disrupting the functioning of the service.
The background to this operation involved a prior call for a film screening in one of the university's classrooms. However, following the conclusion of the screening, some attendees reportedly remained inside the building, leading to the police intervention. The operation witnessed the involvement of various police units, including Rapid Response, OPKE, MAT, and State Security, which conducted checks and arrests as part of their efforts to maintain order at the institution.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions around university gatherings and the enforcement of rules within academic settings in Greece, especially in the wake of previous disturbances. The response by law enforcement indicates a stringent approach to maintaining regulations, especially in terms of managing unauthorized gatherings, and raises questions regarding civil liberties in contexts often dominated by political dissent and student activism.