Two separate incidents of assaults and beatings of university students in Athens and Thessaloniki have been recorded in recent hours, causing intense concern in the academic community.
In Thessaloniki, the vice-rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Iakovos Michaelides, was attacked inside the administration building. According to the rectorial authorities, a group of people proceeded to attack him, as a result of which he felt unwell and was taken to hospital.
As stated in a statement from the AUTH, the incident is linked to reactions to a decision of the Senate regarding the regulation of student residences. The university’s administration speaks of actions that are against institutional procedures, stressing that decisions are taken collectively and cannot be made under pressure or intimidation. Due to the tension, the vice-rector interrupted a scheduled meeting with an international delegation and was taken to AHEPA hospital, his health condition being good.
At the same time, the rector’s authorities stress that tolerance of such behaviour is zero and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the smooth operation of the institution and the safety of the university community.
In a second incident in Athens, members of Rouvikon vandalized the apartment building where Professor Vana Nikolaidou-Kyrianidou, a professor at the University of Athens, lives, writing slogans at the entrance of the building.
This is not the first time the university professor has been targeted, as in January 2025 unknown people vandalized her office, writing slogans with spray paint on the walls.
