Greeks hold peaceful march on anniversary of deadly Athens Polytechnic uprising

·

Some 20,000 people marched peacefully through Athens on Wednesday to mark the 48th anniversary of a bloody anti-dictatorship uprising in 1973, according to AP News.

More than 5,000 police were deployed to keep order. They were supported by drones, a helicopter and water cannons as violence regularly breaks out during the annual march to the US Embassy in Athens.

A similar demonstration was held in Greece’s second-largest city of Thessaloniki, with about 14,000 participants. The march ended peacefully, but afterwards masked youths threw petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas and a water cannon. No injuries or arrests were reported.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said the 1973 uprising reinforced the country’s “daily commitment to a secure democracy.”

“48 years since the historic uprising of the Polytechnic, we remember and honour. We inspire and dare. We think and move on! The messages of those great moments are being transformed, today, into a daily orientation towards a secure democracy,” Mitsotakis wrote.

READ MORE: Aristotle Sarrikostas: The photoreporter who captured the invasion of the tank at the Polytechnic.

Elsewhere, Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, laid a wreath at a memorial to the victims of the uprising.

“We honour the victims, the students and all the fighters who stood up against violence and anomy. Their sacrifices, just like their love for freedom and democracy, continue to inspire us,” Sakellaroupoulou said on the day.

The Greek president also stressed the importance of supporting young people and their “expectations for a better future.”

“The young men and women of today, who after the economic crisis are also having to deal with the pandemic, are required to make their way in a world full of challenges and uncertainties,” she said.

Sakellaropoulou at a memorial service.

“It is our duty to stand by them and to support their expectations for a better future, in the context of an open society that includes as all.”

The anniversary commemorates the 1973 student-led pro-democracy protests at the Athens Polytechnic which were crushed by police and troops sent by the military regime. Officers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators and bystanders near the Polytechnic, and an army tank smashed in the gates of the university complex behind which many students were gathered.

At least 20 are thought to have been killed, though the precise death toll of the November 1973 events remains unknown.

READ MORE: Polytechnic Uprising: Spark of the revolution against the Greek Junta.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Bulldogs and Warriors to face off for The Jenny Souris Foundation NRL Round

An NRL match between Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs will be taking on the New Zealand Warriors in The Jenny Souris Foundation Round.

Dozens evacuate as Evia hit by floods, mudslides

Roads became impassable and beaches were filled with mud sliding down from nearby mountains but there have been no casualties.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas snubbed for SAG award nomination

The nominations for this year's Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards have been announced, with Wicked leading the way with five nominations.