Violence at Greek universities leaves several injured ahead of student elections

Violent clashes at Greek universities on Tuesday left several students injured and prompted strong condemnation from authorities ahead of student elections scheduled for Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

At the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a group of masked individuals armed with clubs, crowbars, smoke bombs and incendiary devices stormed a faculty building during classes and attacked students, according to Greek national broadcaster ERT.

Seven students were injured, including one seriously, hospital sources said.

Police said 39 people were briefly detained after officers intervened on campus following reports of life-threatening violence. Investigations are ongoing.

Later the same day, a separate attack occurred at the University of West Attica in Athens, where around 10 masked individuals carrying hammers and knives injured two students before fleeing the scene. Eight suspects were later detained for questioning.

Greek universities have a long history of politically active student groups, with tensions often escalating ahead of student elections.

The Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports condemned the incidents, while Deputy Minister for Higher Education Nikos Papaioannou said all security protocols had been activated and a full investigation was underway.