Students clash with riot police outside Athens University

Tensions rose outside the Athens University’s law faculty on Thursday after a group of about 40 students trying to enter the premises clashed with riot police forces.

This followed a decision by rector Theodoros Sfortsakis to close the university for five days starting late on Wednesday in view of the upcoming celebrations commemorating the student uprising against the military dictatorship on November 17, 1973. Fortsakis has banned student sit-ins during this time.

On Thursday government spokeswoman Sophia Voultepsi issued a statement warning students and political parties supporting student action, including opposition SYRIZA, that the law would be implemented at universities.

Earlier in the day, a statement by SYRIZA youth condemned the decision to close down the university.