5,000 police officers, among them officers in plain clothes, drones and helicopters will be deployed in downtown Athens to enforce security during the 3-day festivities for the commemoration of the Polytechnic School Students’ Uprising against the military junta on November 17, 1973.
The strict security measures implemented by the Greek police focus on the protection of public buildings and especially universities but also foreign embassies.
In addition to riot police and officers in plan clothes, 50 officers on motorbikes will be constantly patrolling the areas around central Athens and Exarchia, in order to support the riot police.
Particular measures will be in force around the Polytechnic University on Patision Avenue and the Exarchia district of Athens, when anarchists and anti-authoritarians usually attack police after the end of the the rally on Sunday.
Police has reportedly called for the removal of garbage bins and construction material from the areas. During riots, bins are often set on fire, while rioters throw every available material at the police or use it to damage public and private properties.
Police told media that they have also plans for dealing with attackers that climb up onto the roofs of buildings in the area and throw objects at police squads.
Police believe that universities serve as a base for the rioters in their attacks on police and, following the recent abolition of university asylum laws, police will be able to operate within the universities.
The Polytechnic School in Athens opened its gates for the anniversary festivities on Friday morning so that thousands of Greeks can pay tribute. The gates will be open 9:00 am – 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and until 2:00 pm on Sunday.
The traditional march will start two hours later at 4:00 pm and will end at the US Embassy on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
Video: Telematic signs at bus stops around the Polytechnic School are being removed to avoid being smashed
Traffic Regulations
Traffic regulations for buses and trolley buses will be implemented in the area between the Polytechnic School and Kaniggos Square on Friday and Saturday.
The measures will be extended to the broader area of the city center as of 12 noon Sunday.
The Traffic Police reportedly urges motorists to avoid driving or parking their vehicles in the area around the Polytechnic School, the areas through which students will march on Sunday march as well as around the US Embassy. The advises are valid November 15-17, 2019.
