The Prime Minister’s initiative to meet with the rectors of all universities in order to discuss the burning issue of security, the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Gerasimos Siasos.

Although dealing with delinquency in Greek universities is already underway, the ultimate goal is their complete elimination. On the part of the University of Athens, it is made clear that the Security Unit has been staffed, and the Security and Protection Committee has been formed, whose task is to draw up the institution’s prescribed regulations and security plans. He unequivocally condemns any form of occupation in the premises of the University, as it is an illegal act, and stresses that those who should make use of them are the students, professors, and staff of the Institution.

The Rector of the University stresses the need for financial support from the State, in order not only to provide the necessary security personnel but also to make the necessary interventions in the building infrastructure. Also, the State must stand by the University in dealing with non-academics when they commit illegal actions, acting on their own initiative. “It is our strong will to prevent and deal with incidents of violence and misconduct, with absolutely no tolerance wherever they come from,” the statement concluded.

The Rector’s statement in detail:

“It was very important that the Prime Minister took the initiative to meet with the Rectors of all the Universities, which was universally welcomed.

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In matters of university security, steps have been taken in the right direction in recent years, and as a result, the incidents of delinquency have reduced significantly. The aim is to eliminate them.

The University of Athens has taken all the actions required by the legislation in force by staffing the Security Unit and establishing the Security and Protection Committee, which has drawn up the regulations and security plans of the Institution. In implementing the security plan and proceeding with its implementation, we have made it clear that no occupation of space is acceptable, as it constitutes an illegal act. All spaces must be available for students, faculty, and staff of the University.

It is of particular importance to continue working with the State to financially support the Universities to ensure the necessary security staff and to strengthen the building infrastructure which is extensive and old, especially in large and historic Universities. In addition, the State’s assistance is necessary to deal with illegal actions by groups of non-university individuals. Besides, according to the current legislation, it is ex officio in all university premises when criminal offences take place.

It is our strong will to prevent and deal with incidents of violence and delinquency, with absolutely no tolerance wherever they come from.”