Thessaloniki Polytechnic Anniversary March Ends in Riots

The annual march commemorating the 1973 Polytechnic uprising descended into clashes on Sunday evening, November 17, as rioters hurled Molotov cocktails at police. The incidents occurred after an otherwise peaceful day of remembrance and protest in Thessaloniki.

The march began in the afternoon at the Polytechnic School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and concluded around 8:00 PM. Led by members of the Association of Exiled Prisoners’ Fighters (AFEA) 1967-1974, the procession included student associations, political organisations, labour unions, and citizens.

Participants marched through the streets, with some demonstrators burning U.S. and Israeli flags near the U.S. consulate on Tsimiski Street.

The march split into two sections, ending at separate locations: the Venizelos statue and Kamara. At Kamara, tensions flared as a small group of masked individuals threw seven or eight Molotov cocktails at police stationed on Egnatia Street near the EYATH water company. Police responded with flashbang grenades and tear gas, dispersing the group toward Rotonda and nearby streets.

Earlier in the day, student associations, political parties, and trade unions, including the Thessaloniki Labour and Civic Centre, laid wreaths and flowers at the Polytechnic School to honour the 1973 uprising against Greece‘s seven-year military dictatorship. Despite these solemn acts of remembrance, the evening ended with the familiar clashes that often accompany the anniversary events.

No significant injuries or arrests were reported.

(Source: To Vima)