What the Hellenic Police say about the incidents outside AUTh

The Hellenic Police issued a statement regarding the serious incidents that took place outside the university during the night, while a party was being held on university premises.

Specifically, the Thessaloniki General Police Directorate states that “individuals with their facial features covered emerged suddenly and successively, in groups, from areas of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and, at the junction of Egnatia Street and 3rd September Street, launched an unjustified and unprovoked attack on police forces, throwing a large number of improvised incendiary explosive devices (Molotov cocktails) at them.”

The Hellenic Police say that “in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent further attacks, police forces proceeded with the necessary use of appropriate means and tactics, while the Prosecutorial and Rectorial Authorities were immediately informed.”

“As a result of the violent Molotov attacks, one police officer was injured and admitted to the 424 Military Hospital, while material damage was recorded to three vehicles,” the statement notes.

The Hellenic Police Statement

“In the early morning hours today, Saturday (07-02-2026), individuals with their facial features covered emerged suddenly and successively, in groups, from areas of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and, at the junction of Egnatia Street and 3rd September Street, launched an unjustified and unprovoked attack on police forces, throwing a large number of improvised incendiary explosive devices (Molotov cocktails).

As a result of the violent Molotov attacks, one police officer was injured and admitted to the 424 Military Hospital, while material damage was recorded to three vehicles.

In order to de-escalate the situation and prevent further attacks, police forces proceeded with the necessary use of appropriate means and tactics, while the Prosecutorial and Rectorial Authorities were immediately informed.

At the same time, 313 individuals were brought in to the Thessaloniki General Police Directorate, with the procedure currently ongoing.”

Ministry of Education Requests Explanations from AUTh Over the Incidents

The Ministry of Education is requesting responses within 48 hours from the rectorial authorities of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki regarding the serious incidents outside the university during the night, while a party was taking place on university premises. It is noted that police authorities proceeded with the detention of 309 individuals.

In its statement, the Ministry notes that it has “requested immediate and full information from the Rectorial Authorities, the competent administrative and security bodies of the University, as well as from the police authorities, regarding:

• Whether the organization of the event was known to the University authorities
• Whether a request was submitted and a relevant permit granted
• The role of the University’s security company
• The exact incidents and the extent of the events
• Whether, and to what extent, illegal acts or damage occurred within university premises.”

It is further stated that “the Rectorial Authorities of AUTh must, within 48 hours, outline the actions taken on their part as well as the actions to follow in accordance with Law 5224/25. The State now has a clear and comprehensive framework of provisions for the prevention and combating of violence at universities. This framework will be fully applied, without any exceptions, if it is determined that the legal conditions are met. Responsibilities will be sought and assigned. The Ministry is closely monitoring developments and will take all necessary actions to protect the safety of the academic community and the smooth operation of institutions.”