“Fortress” Athens and Thessaloniki for the Polytechnic – Draconian security measures
The celebrations for the 49th anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising culminate on Thursday, November 17. For fear of incidents, Athens and Thessaloniki will turn into “fortresses” for 24 hours.
More than 5,000 police officers will be on the streets of Athens, while emphasis will be placed on the control of pre-gatherings. In Thessaloniki, again, weight will be given to guarding the campuses of Aristotle University and PAMAK to avoid the occupation of countries.
Laying of wreaths and excitement during the 2nd day of anniversary celebrations
On Wednesday, dozens of citizens gathered at the Polytechnic to place a flower at the monument and honor those who lost their lives and were tortured by the dictatorship of the colonels. The gates of the university institution remained open until 9 in the evening.
Early in the morning wreaths were laid by the President of SYRIZA-PS Alexis Tsipras, the President of PASOK-KINAL Nikos Androulakis and delegations of KKE and KNE.
Alexis Tsipras had by his side the secretary of the Central Committee of SYRIZA PS Rania Svigou and a delegation of the party.
“The message of the November uprising is more relevant than ever”, stressed the president of SYRIZA PS in his post on Twitter.
Nikos Androulakis focused on the global message of the Polytechnic, noting that “it is an event of global scope, it is a national milestone of struggles The solidarity and self-sacrifice of the students, their thirst for Freedom and Democracy, inspires those who want a different world with peace and harmony . of peoples, with respect for human rights and the environment, with a strong rule of law. A more just and humane world. Honor, therefore, to those who sacrificed, to those who fought in those historic days of November”.
On behalf of the KKE, Thodoris Chionis, member of the PG of the KE of the KKE and Secretary of the KO Attica, laid a wreath, who emphasized that the uprising of the Polytechnic “teaches that history is written on the road of unyielding, mass struggle, the negative association is overturned, the right is won, against waiting and illusions” and that with “movements of summits” the living conditions of the people and the youth can be improved”.
5,682 police officers and drones
As Yiannis Ziakas reported to OPEN, more than 5,000 police officers will be on the streets of Athens, while there will be other drone and helicopter surveillance that will give a live picture of the center of GADA.
Particular emphasis will be placed on controls during the pre-gatherings, but also on buildings that are considered likely to be used as launching pads for attacks against police officers, while there will be guarding at government buildings and embassies.
Special emphasis will be placed on the wider area of Exarchia and especially after the end of the long march while the “Aiantas” armored water cannon vehicles are on guard.