Polytechnic Anniversary Marches Concluded

Thousands of people honored the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising with marches across major cities in Greece. In Athens, demonstrators reached the Israeli Embassy without incidents, though hooded individuals attacked police forces.

According to estimates from the Greek Police (ELAS), approximately 25,000 protesters in Athens marched past the U.S. Embassy before proceeding to the Israeli Embassy. By 9:00 PM, all metro stations reopened.

Students, organizations, unions, and political parties gathered early at Klafthmonos Square and near the Kolokotronis statue. Leading the march was the Association of Imprisoned and Exiled Resistance Fighters, 1967-1974 (SFEA).

ELAS conducted 113 preemptive detentions in various central Athens locations prior to the march.

At around 5:00 PM, the head of the procession, carrying the bloodstained flag of the Polytechnic, reached Vasilissis Sofias Avenue near the U.S. Embassy. During the traditional ritual, participants sang the national anthem, raised their hands, and secured the flag’s departure.

Before the march began, tension erupted between students from the ANTARSYA-aligned student group (EAAK) and supporters of Stefanos Kasselakis.

Clashes with Molotov cocktails during the Thessaloniki march

Hooded individuals caused disturbances after the conclusion of the march for the Polytechnic uprising in Thessaloniki. The hooded individuals threw dozens of Molotov cocktails at the riot police stationed near Kamara.

An incident with supporters of Stefanos Kasselakis during the Polytechnic march.

The preemptive arrests by the Hellenic Police (ELAS) have reached 113 (as of 16:00) amid the measures and checks being conducted on the streets around the educational institution, as well as on the roads through which the march will pass.

Four prosecutors are overseeing the measures, while live drone footage and images from the ELAS helicopter are being provided to the Operations Center of the Attica General Police Directorate.

The flag of the Polytechnic events is heading to the American Embassy.

The preemptive detentions by the Hellenic Police have reached 113.

Thessaloniki

Citizens of all ages and representatives of organizations have been flocking since the morning to the courtyard of the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to lay red roses, carnations, or wreaths at the monument located there.

54 detentions from preliminary checks in the center of Athens

The police carried out 54 detentions to prevent incidents during the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising.

Those detained have been taken to GADA for identification checks.

The demonstrations across the country

Demonstrations for the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising are taking place throughout the country.

Details:

• Thessaloniki, 5 p.m. at the Polytechnic of AUTH
• Agrinio, 6:30 p.m. at the central square
• Alexandroupoli, 11 a.m. at Academy Park
• Argostoli, 5 p.m. at the Labor Center
• Arta, 6 p.m. at the Labor Center
• Volos, 6 p.m. at Tholos
• Ioannina, 5 p.m. at Dompoli, Polytechnic Heroes Monument
• Zakynthos, 7 p.m. at Agios Markos Square
• Igoumenitsa, 11 a.m. at the Town Hall Square
• Kalamata, 5 p.m. at March 23rd Square
• Karditsa, 6:30 p.m. at the central square
• Corfu, 6 p.m. at the Labor Center
• Komotini, 4:30 p.m. at the old Law School
• Larissa, 7 p.m. at the central square
• Lefkada, 6 p.m. at Markas Square
• Livadeia, 11 a.m. at the central square
• Mytilene, 6 p.m. at Sapphos Square
• Nafplio, 6:30 p.m. at Kapodistrias Square
• Patras, 5 p.m. at the Labor Center
• Preveza, 12 p.m. at the Heroes Monument
• Pyrgos, 6:30 p.m. at the Court Square
• Samos, 6 p.m. at Karlovasi Square
• Trikala, 12 p.m. at Riga Feraios Square

The demonstrations in downtown Athens

The gates of the Polytechnic were closed shortly after 1:00 p.m. to begin the customary march to the U.S. Embassy.

The times and locations of the gatherings:

ADEDY: 3:30 p.m. – Klafthmonos Square
Student Struggle Front (MAS): 5:00 p.m. – Propylaea
K.O. Attica KKE: 5:00 p.m. – Stadiou & Georgiou Stavrou
KKE (m-l): 2:30 p.m. – Ch. Lada & Stadiou

Androulakis: The Polytechnic rightfully occupies a special place in the modern history of our homeland

The Polytechnic rightfully occupies a special place in the modern history of our homeland, says Nikos Androulakis in his statement.

The full statement:

Last July, we celebrated fifty years since the restoration of Democracy in our country. However, it was those three days in November of ’73 that constituted the cornerstone of this democratic return, the beginning of the end of the junta.

Every year, on this day, we honor those who, with courage and self-sacrifice, defied the plaster of fascism in a spontaneous outburst of democracy and social liberation.

Those who were there for our homeland, were there for all of us, the younger generations, and “so that our children can have their own sun,” as Lena Pappa had written.

The Polytechnic rightfully occupies a special place in the modern history of our homeland, as a source of inspiration for democratic citizens and those who struggle daily for the quality of our democratic institutions, for the alleviation of social inequalities, for a state where the power of law will surpass the law of the strong.

Pierrakakis: The Polytechnic is a symbol of unity against division

The message for the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising is sent by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, describing this day as a symbol of unity against division.

At the same time, Mr. Pierrakakis emphasizes in his message that with the uprising at the Polytechnic in 1973, thousands of young people taught selflessness, self-respect, ethics, and integrity.

Mitsotakis: The message of resistance of the Polytechnic does not fade with the passage of time

The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent his message for the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising with a post on social media.

As he stated, “The message of resistance and demands conveyed by the Polytechnic does not fade with the passage of time. On the contrary, it remains a continuous symbol of progress which is neither trapped in the past, nor given over to party exploitation. That is why, 51 years later, it continues to shine. To signal dedication to Democracy. Faith in unity. And the prospect of a better life.”

The events marking the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising peak today. The gates have opened since 9:00 AM and will close at 1:00 PM, after which the traditional march to the American embassy will take place.

In a state of heightened security measures, the center of Athens is being patrolled by over 5,000 police officers in anticipation of the events marking the 51st anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising.

The forces of the Hellenic Police, including MAT, members of the DRASI and DIAS teams, as well as officers from the Security and Traffic Departments, will be on standby along the route of the march towards the U.S. embassy on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.

Also involved in the operation will be EL.AS. water cannons, helicopters, and drones, which will transmit live images to the operations center of GADA, under the supervision of judicial authorities.

The march will start on Sunday, November 17, with the gates of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) open from 9 AM until 1 PM, when the participation for the memorial event will end.

In a statement, the National Technical University of Athens emphasized: “NTUA will make any necessary decisions and take any necessary actions to honor November 17 as a day of remembrance for all the fighters and martyrs of the anti-junta struggle and as a day of special honor for the Greek youth.”

Traffic Regulations:
Traffic regulations have been implemented since Friday, November 15, and will remain in effect until Monday, November 18.

Specifically, there will be a ban on parking and stopping, as well as traffic interruptions, which will be gradually implemented depending on the traffic conditions, from 6:00 AM on Friday, November 15, 2024, until 6:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024, as follows:

• Stournari Street, between Exarchia Square and G. Septemvriou Street.
• 28th October (Patision), between Kodrigtonos and Eleftherios Venizelos (Panepistimiou) Streets, and in both directions of traffic, as well as on the perpendicular streets to this road until the first parallel road.
• Tositsa Pedestrian Street.
• Polytechnic Pedestrian Street.
• Bouboulina, between Stournari Street and Alexandras Avenue.
• George, between Stournari Street and Kapodistriou Street.
• Botasi, between Stournari Street and Kapodistriou Street.
• Kanigos, between Stournari Street and Chalkokondyli Street.
• Solomou, between G. Septemvriou Street and Exarchia Square.
• Kapodistriou, between Botasi Street and G. Septemvriou Street.
• Exarchia Square.
• Chalkokondyli, between G. Septemvriou Street and Kanigos Square.
• Averoff, between 28th October (Patision) and Marnis Streets.
• Veranzouros, between Kanigos Square and Marnis Street.
• Sp. Trikoupi, between Alexandras Avenue and Exarchia Square.
• Solonos, between Hippocrates Street and Patousa.

A parking ban and gradual traffic interruptions will begin Sunday, November 17, from 6:00 AM, with a full traffic ban starting at 12:00 PM until the conclusion of the events:

• Eleftherios Venizelos (Panepistimiou) Street, in its entirety and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Omonia Square.
• Aiolou, between Eleftherios Venizelos (Panepistimiou) Street and Stadios Street.
• Stadios, in its entirety and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Syntagma Square.
• V. Georgiou I, in its entirety.
• Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, in both directions, and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Akademias, in its entirety and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Alexandras Avenue, in its entirety and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Ghelonos, between Dorylaios and P. Kokkalis Streets.
• P. Kokkalis, between Ghelonos Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
• Dorylaios, between P. Kyriakou Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
• Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, in its entirety, and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Filellinon, in its entirety, and the perpendicular streets until the first parallel road.
• Syngrou Avenue, between Ath. Diakou Street and Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
• P. Tsaldari (Piraeus), between Ieras Odos and Omonia Square.
• Athinas Street, in its entirety.
• Ermou, between Athinas and P. Tsaldari (Piraeus).
• Tsocha, in its entirety.
• Soutsou, between Mavili Square and Tsocha Street.
• Zaharo, between Alexandras Avenue and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
• Kifisias Avenue, between Katocha and Alexandras Avenue, towards Athens.
• Mesogeion Avenue, between Katocha Avenue and Fidippidou Street, towards Athens.
• Fidippidou, between Mesogeion and Vasilissis Sofias.
• Michalakopoulou, between Fidippidou and Sp. Merkouri Streets, in both directions.
• Vasilissis Konstantinou Avenue, in its entirety, towards Kifisia.
• Ardittos, in its entirety, towards Vasilissis Konstantinou.
• Vasilissis Alexandrou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Ventiri, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Chatzigianni Mexi, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Iridanou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Papadiamandopoulou, between Michalakopoulou and Vasilissis Sofias.
• Aiginitou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Papadiamandopoulou.
• Lourou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Lamsakou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Semitelou, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Kerasountos, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.
• Kartali, between Vasilissis Sofias and Evrou Street.
• Lykaonias, between Vasilissis Sofias and Evrou Street.
• Ang. Pyrri, between Vasilissis Sofias and Evrou Street.
• Xenias, between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.

Which Metro Stations Will Be Closed on Sunday, November 17
Meanwhile, certain metro stations in the center of Athens will be closed on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2:00 PM, due to the events for the Polytechnic Uprising anniversary.

According to information from STASY, upon the order of the Police, the following metro stations will close at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024:

Closed:

• Syntagma
• Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3)
• Evangelismos
• Megaro Moussikis
• Omonia (Lines 1 & 2)
• Panepistimio

Trains will pass through these stations without stopping. The stations will reopen following a new directive from the police, as emphasized by STASY.