Thirty-eight individuals have been detained following a police operation at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki after they refused to leave during a scheduled event.
A significant police operation was conducted at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (APTH) where 38 individuals were detained for not complying with orders to leave the premises during a film screening. The operation followed a request from university authorities for police assistance, and it led to the individuals being taken into custody for not adhering to regulations in place at the university. The local police issued a statement highlighting the circumstances that led to the arrests and the subsequent legal actions against those detained.
The arrests occurred late in the evening on February 17, 2026, when a group of people arrived for a film event at the university. Despite being informed of the requirement to vacate the space by a certain time, they refused to do so, which prompted the police intervention. In total, 38 were arrested, with 36 taken near the Alexandrio Sports Hall and two within the university grounds, while 10 others were brought in but later released due to lack of involvement in the incident.
This event reflects ongoing tensions surrounding university policies and law enforcement's role in managing gatherings within academic institutions in Greece. The implications of this incident may further fuel discussions on freedom of assembly and the application of police force in academic settings, raising questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights within cultural and educational environments.
