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In an unprecedented sweep early Saturday, Greek authorities in Thessaloniki detained a staggering 313 individuals following a violent clash in which riot police were confronted by masked assailants wielding over 100 Molotov cocktails. The confrontation unfolded on the campus of Aristotle University, Greece’s second-largest city, during the predawn hours.
The clash began when groups of hooded individuals launched their attack on a riot police squad stationed at a distance from the university. This unit is typically positioned there to manage disturbances stemming from the all-night revelries frequently held on campus grounds.
Despite the gravity of the situation, police later released all 313 detainees without pressing any charges. While assaults on police near the university are not rare occurrences, the sheer number of firebombs and detainees involved in this incident marks a significant escalation.
In their attempt to disperse the aggressors, riot police resorted to tear gas and stun grenades. The altercation resulted in injuries, with one officer suffering facial and leg burns and requiring treatment at a military hospital, while a 21-year-old civilian was hospitalized for respiratory issues, according to police reports.
Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to beat back the attackers. One officer was taken to a military hospital for burns to his face and leg while a 21-year-old civilian was treated for respiratory problems, police said.
The university said in a statement that off-campus “extremists” in conjunction with some individuals from within university grounds had committed the attacks. They said an investigation is underway to determine if any students had taken part. They added that no permission had been granted for any party to take place on university grounds.