Pre-Dawn Clashes Erupt at Aristotle University
In the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026, Greek police conducted a raid on the campus of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, leading to the detention of 313 people. The operation followed a violent confrontation where groups of hooded individuals emerged from the university grounds and attacked riot police with more than 100 Molotov cocktails.
The clashes, which reportedly began around 2 AM, saw masked individuals targeting police units stationed near the intersection of 3rd September and Egnatia streets. Riot police responded with tear gas and stun grenades to repel the attackers, and water cannon vehicles were deployed to extinguish fires and disperse the groups.
Casualties and Damage Reported
The violence resulted in injuries and property damage. A police officer sustained burns to his face and leg from a Molotov cocktail explosion and was transported to a military hospital for treatment. Additionally, a 21-year-old civilian received treatment for respiratory problems. Several vehicles were damaged during the incidents, with at least one car being completely destroyed.
Detentions and Subsequent Release
Following the extensive police operation, a total of 313 individuals were detained and transferred to the Thessaloniki General Police Directorate for questioning. However, all detainees were subsequently released without charges after authorities concluded that no evidence linked them to criminal offenses.
University and Ministry Responses
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki issued a statement attributing the attacks to 'extremists' from outside the campus who acted in cooperation with some individuals from within the university. The university also clarified that no party or event had been authorized. An investigation is currently underway to determine if any students were involved in the incidents.
The Ministry of Education has requested immediate and comprehensive information from the university authorities within 48 hours. This request includes details on whether the event was known to university officials, if any permits were granted, and the role of the university's security company. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to fully applying the legal framework for preventing and combating violence in universities.
Context of Recurring Campus Unrest
While clashes near the Aristotle University campus are not uncommon, police officials noted that this incident involved an 'unusually high number of firebombs' and represented the largest number of detentions ever made after such an event. The unrest reportedly broke out after a party held at the Polytechnic School within the university.
5 Comments
Donatello
313 detained, zero charged? This looks like a massive overreach and intimidation tactic by the police.
Raphael
Protect our officers! This violence against them is absolutely unacceptable.
Leonardo
This incident will only escalate tensions between students and authorities. A terrible precedent.
Michelangelo
Ensuring order and safety on university grounds is crucial, especially after such a violent incident. However, the outcome of zero charges for 313 detainees suggests that the police operation, while perhaps necessary in principle, was poorly executed in practice and potentially counterproductive.
Raphael
While the violence involving Molotov cocktails is entirely unacceptable and dangerous, the fact that 313 people were detained and then released without charges raises serious concerns about police targeting and due process.