The strict enforcement of academic hours and the temporary suspension of all events on the campus of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were outlined by the institution’s rector, Professor Kyriakos Anastasiades, in comments to protothema.gr, following recent violent incidents and the ongoing investigations.

As he clarified, the university’s operating hours are not a new regulation; however, they will now be applied without exception, with all buildings closing at 22:00. “Academic hours have always existed — this is nothing new. What has changed is that, until the three parallel procedures currently underway — a criminal investigation, the university’s own disciplinary inquiry, and a ministerial review — are completed, all events are suspended until further notice and the timetable will be strictly enforced,” he said.

The rector made clear that no activities will be permitted beyond academic hours, which at AUTH end at 10 pm. “What does it mean to say ‘we finish at 11 at night because there is a theatre performance’? That is no longer acceptable. Any extension of academic hours is now prohibited,” he stressed.

At the same time, he underlined that the university remains a space for free expression, but within specific operational rules. “This is a university — opinions are expressed, and I have no issue even with political events. But cigarettes, alcohol, and late-night gatherings are not allowed. After 10 pm, no activity of any kind may take place on university premises,” he said, noting that the restriction applies across the entire campus, including outdoor areas.

He added that organizations or associations wishing to hold events may do so only within university hours. “If someone wants to continue after 10 pm, they can move to an off-campus venue,” he explained, pointing out that it is not feasible to deploy additional staff outside normal working hours.

Regarding the reaction of the academic community, the rector said the measures were adopted without objection. “There was no opposition in the Senate — the decision was unanimously accepted,” he noted, expressing confidence that activities will gradually resume once the investigations are concluded. He added that the internal university inquiry is expected to be completed within days.

Finally, he emphasized that teaching continues normally, with the university operating as usual during academic hours, including laboratories and postgraduate programmes under the responsibility of the relevant departments.

Referring to the event that led to the recent incidents, the rector was categorical: “We had explicitly banned the event, and this was unfortunately misrepresented by the media, without anyone issuing an apology.”