Battlefield outside AUTH – Over 300 arrests for the incidents

309 arrests were made, according to the latest update from the police authorities, following the serious incidents that took place early in the morning outside Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where a student party was ongoing.

A police officer is reported to have been injured and was transported with burns to the 424 Military Hospital.

Serious damage was caused to cars parked on 3rd September Avenue and to trash bins. With the first light of day, cleaning crews from the Thessaloniki municipal cleaning service cleared the roads around AUTH, as well as Egnatia Street, in order to restore vehicle circulation.

According to the police version, between 2:00 and 2:30 a.m., individuals emerged in groups from AUTH and threw a large number of Molotov cocktails at the police forces, at the height of 3rd September Street. The police responded by extensively using stun grenades and tear gas, causing the atmosphere in the area to be particularly suffocating for several hours.

“Criminal responsibility must be sought,” says the president of the Thessaloniki Police Officers Association

The president of the Thessaloniki Police Officers Association, Theodoros Tsairidis, referred to the injury of the police officer and the large-scale operation by the police.

He stated that during the incidents, a police officer was injured and suffered burns from the attacks. “We then had a successful police operation, with 309 arrests. It is one of the few times, as far as I remember, that such an immediate and coordinated operation took place and finally, those who caused the incidents have been arrested for now,” he said.

Mr. Tsairidis emphasized the need to investigate any potential criminal responsibility regarding the organization of the party within the university campus. “Criminal responsibility must be sought, if and how permission was given for this party. In 2026, Greek universities cannot be lawless areas, with criminal elements entering, making Molotov bombs, and turning the university campuses and surrounding areas into a war zone,” he added.

Referring to the health condition of the injured officer, the president of the Association stated that he is hospitalized at the 424 Military Hospital in Thessaloniki. “We have spoken to him, he will undergo some tests, and he is not in danger,” he said.

At the same time, he pointed out that the police were prepared since this particular party is held every year in the city. “There were increased police forces for this reason. However, the police cannot keep closing off university spaces every now and then to prevent the entry of individuals,” he added.