Greek authorities on Saturday detained 313 people following violent clashes near the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where riot police were attacked with more than 100 Molotov cocktails in the early hours of the morning.
According to police, groups of hooded individuals emerged from the university campus before dawn and launched coordinated attacks on a riot police unit stationed nearby. The unit is typically deployed in the area to manage disturbances linked to late-night gatherings on campus.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas and using stun grenades to disperse the attackers. One officer suffered burns to his face and leg and was taken to a military hospital, while a 21-year-old civilian was treated for respiratory problems, authorities said.
All 313 detainees were later released without charge, police confirmed.
While clashes between police and groups near the university are not uncommon, officials said the scale of Saturday’s violence was unprecedented, particularly due to the unusually large number of firebombs used.
In a statement, the university blamed off-campus “extremists,” along with some individuals from within the campus, for the unrest. An internal investigation has been launched to determine whether any students were involved. The university also said no authorization had been given for any party to be held on campus.
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