Athens marks Polytechnic uprising with security measures, protests

The gates of Athens’ Polytechnic University closed Sunday, as the city marked the 51st anniversary of the 1973 pro-democracy student uprising, culminating in the traditional march to the US Embassy.

Despite rainy weather, families, local officials and citizens gathered at the historic site to honor those who resisted Greece’s military dictatorship. Parliament President Konstantinos Tasoulas laid a wreath in memory of the fallen students. A member of the “Polytechnic Generation” visiting with her grandchildren said, “We must never forget our history.”

Security is heightened for the occasion, with over 5,700 officers deployed across the city. Riot squads, drones and helicopters are monitoring key areas, including the US and Israeli embassies.

Metro stations at Syntagma, Evangelismos, Megaro Mousikis and Panepistimio will close at 2 p.m. Extensive road closures and parking bans are in effect across central Athens. Stations at Omonia and Monastiraki will remain open.

Several rallies have been scheduled across Athens and in other cities for the anniversary. Student unions will gather at 5 p.m. outside the Athens University gates, with additional events planned by the civil servants’ union and other groups. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the city center to minimise disruptions.

The commemoration will culminate in the march to the US Embassy, a longstanding tradition marking the resistance against the military dictatorship.

Protests are also being held in cities nationwide, including the northern city of Thessaloniki, Patras in the Peloponnese and Iraklio in Crete.

Source: ekathimerini.com