A chilling threat appeared last week on the walls of the historic College of Engineering complex: “A  bullet to the Rector’s head.” The byword that promoted violence has been removed.

“It’s not just that,” says Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou, Rector, speaking to protothema.gr. “Other similar slogans have been written—another one mentions ‘guillotines.’”

He believes these threats stem from the university’s ongoing efforts to dismantle long-standing delinquent behaviors. “For the first time in 35 years, the Polytechnic is no longer occupied. Just last year, seven occupations were cleared,” he notes.

Hadjigeorgiou clarifies that the threats are not linked to the institution’s broader development efforts but rather to the gradual elimination of conditions that have fostered lawlessness on campus.

“There is no university where outsiders can occupy spaces, turn them into dens, and use them as bases for illegal activity. Polytechnic institutions must align with global academic standards. I travel abroad and see universities that make me ashamed of the state of Greek institutions. They should be clean, yet here they are covered in graffiti,” he says.

“I’m scared—it’s human.”

The rector reveals that threatening posters targeting university officials have been plastered across central Athens, from the Polytechnic campus to Alexandras Avenue.

“It’s not just me—these threats extend to all rectors. They contain direct threats, insults, and offensive language,” he explains.

When asked how he copes, he responds with determination. “As a professor and as a public official, I must ensure order within the institution. I am not the one who enforces the law, but within my role, I will see that it is upheld.”

Has he felt fear? “I am afraid. It’s human.”

As for legal action, Hadjigeorgiou states firmly: “I will take the necessary legal steps. There is no alternative.”