An unauthorized party at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s (AUTH) School of Engineering led to violent clashes with police, resulting in 313 detentions. During the unrest, one police officer was injured, and Molotov cocktails, clubs, and drugs were found and confiscated

The party, which police say is held annually without permission, turned the university into a battleground. Police were attacked with “countless” Molotov cocktails, leading to mass detentions. One officer was injured in the face and neck, while all detainees were released after fingerprinting, as no charges were pressed.

Reactions:

• AUTH’s Rectorate condemned the “deplorable minority” that turned the campus into a scene of criminal behavior, calling for controlled access to university spaces.
• The Ministry of Education demanded a full report on the incident, including whether university authorities were aware of the event, if there was a request or permit, the role of the university’s security, and the extent of the damage.
• The Thessaloniki Police Officers’ Union praised the police operation, which resulted in 309 detentions, and called for criminal accountability for those who allowed the party to take place.

Items Found: Outside the university, police discovered and confiscated 25 clubs, 7 Molotov cocktails, 10 gas masks, and a small amount of cannabis.

Ministry’s Statement: The Ministry of Education condemned the violence and demanded immediate clarification from AUTH, emphasizing that responsibilities will be identified and addressed.

AUTH’s Response: The Rectorate denied any permission was given for the party and is investigating the possible involvement of students in the violence.

Police Statement: The official police report stated that masked individuals suddenly exited the university grounds and attacked police with Molotov cocktails, leading to the injury of one officer and damage to three vehicles.

The incident has sparked a debate over campus security, the role of university authorities, and the need for stricter access controls. The Ministry of Education and police are demanding accountability, while AUTH is investigating the events and considering measures to prevent future violence.