The Polytechnic march in Athens is coming to an end
Protesters are dispersing toward Alexandras Avenue. Roads in the city center remain closed.

17/11/2025 19:59
Photos from outside the U.S. Embassy:

According to the police, over 15,000 people are participating in the Athens march

The head of the march passed by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – heading towards the U.S. Embassy
17/11/2025 17:28

One of the arrested individuals was found in possession of a hammer.

It is noted that the Hellenic Police (ELAS) carried out 43 detentions, of which 11 were converted into arrests, during preventive checks conducted before and during the gathering for the 52nd anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising at various locations in Athens.

By shortly after noon, a total of 1,072 checks had been carried out.

According to police reports, of the 11 arrested individuals, one had a hammer and a small amount of drugs, while the remaining 10 were held for possession of minor items, deemed potentially usable in case of incidents.

PASOK denounces the unwarranted detention of the Secretary of PASP Panteion

In a statement, PASOK denounces the unwarranted detention of the Secretary of PASP Panteion during the preparations for the Polytechnic uprising march.

The announcement states:
“Unbelievable but true. In the year 2025, the Hellenic Police preemptively detained the Secretary of PASP Panteion while he was transporting chairs, without any suspicious behavior. Who has given orders for indiscriminate preemptive detentions? What purpose do they serve? We await the government’s response.”

Chatzigeorgiou: “Thugs and vandals have nothing to do with the Polytechnic”

Commenting on the tension that broke out earlier today at the Polytechnic, Rector Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou told protothema.gr:
“After the gates were closed, certain individuals attempted to break the lock at the Patision Street gate using a stone and a metal object in order to force their way into the complex. Others began moving toward the Tositsa gate. At the same time, they were throwing objects such as a chair, a firecracker, and bottles — not only plastic ones but glass ones as well.”

The Rector left the premises for personal safety reasons as well as for the safety of those present. As he stated:
“The Polytechnic is a jewel for the country. It belongs to Greek society and its students. Thugs and vandals have no connection to the Polytechnic.”

Metro stations closed from 14:00

By order of the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the Metro stations Syntagma, Evangelismos, Megaro Moussikis, Panepistimio, and Omonia (Lines 1 & 2) closed at 14:00, and trains will pass through these stations without stopping.

The stations will reopen upon a new order from ELAS. Any additional changes will be implemented in accordance with ELAS instructions and security measures.

For more information, passengers can visit the link “Changes for the 52nd Polytechnic Anniversary,” call the information center at 11185, or use the OASA Telematics app.

17/11/2025 – 14:28
More than 5,000 police officers on duty

Over 5,000 police officers from the riot police (MAT), DIAS, DRASI, OPKE, the Security Directorate, and Traffic Police have been deployed since early Monday morning around the Polytechnic and other university institutions, the U.S. and Israeli embassies, public buildings, as well as throughout the wider Exarchia area.

17/11/2025 – 14:27
1 arrest and 19 detentions before the march

Police made 20 detentions, one of which led to an arrest, following checks in the area around the Polytechnic on Patision Street.

17/11/2025 – 14:26
Tension involving Rector Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou

The gates of the historic NTUA complex on Patision Street closed shortly after 1 p.m. A little after the gates were shut, tension erupted outside when a group of young individuals threw water bottles, chairs, and firecrackers toward the courtyard of the Polytechnic, where Rector Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou was present.