In Thessaloniki, a single-member misdemeanour court has begun proceedings against 38 individuals arrested following a police operation at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). The prosecutor has filed charges against them for the misdemeanor of interfering with the operation of services within a tertiary education space. Additionally, individuals who refused to be fingerprinted are also facing charges of disobedience. This incident is tied to a report from the university's security indicating that specific individuals remained in a screening area after a film was shown at the university.

The operation, conducted late in the evening of February 17, 2026, was set in motion after the university's security alerted the Greek Police about people who stayed beyond the event's conclusion. According to Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidu, 38 arrests were made, and ten individuals were taken in for questioning before being released. The police action highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding university spaces and the enforcement of legal and administrative regulations concerning student conduct.

This situation brings to attention the larger context of university security and the balance needed between maintaining order and ensuring students' rights. With rising concerns about the activities within educational institutions, the response of law enforcement in this case may spark discussions on the role of police in educational settings and students' autonomy. As these legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to observe public reactions and further implications on governance in educational establishments in Greece.