Polytechnic: «The message of the November Uprising more relevant than ever»

With the great anti-imperialist A march to the U.S. Embassy at noon marks the culmination of the commemorative events for the 49th anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising, which was a massive and dynamic demonstration of popular opposition to the colonels’ junta regime.

Since this morning, people of all ages have continued to lay a wreath or a flower at the Polytechnic monument, as a tribute to those who fought, but also to those who lost their lives so that democracy could be established in this country, as reported by the avgi.gr reporter Antonis Rautopoulos.

Amid chants, the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou laid a wreath. «The Polytechnic Uprising marked the beginning of the end for the seven-year dictatorship and laid the foundation for the post-dictatorship era. It symbolizes political freedom and reminds us that the struggle for democracy is ongoing and demanding. »By honoring the memory of the victims, the students, and the activists of the Polytechnic, we acknowledge our duty to safeguard the integrity of our institutions and the open-minded nature of our society,” said the President of the Republic.

With boos and chants regarding student asylum welcomed the Speaker of the House Kostas Tasoulas, who laid a wreath.

The gates of the Polytechnic will close at 1:00 p.m., with the customary closed-door memorial event.

In this year's march—the first to take place without restrictions imposed under the pretext of the pandemic—the following are expected to participate Thousands of protesters, who continue to be inspired and motivated by the messages of the Polytechnic—which are more relevant today than ever—calling for «bread, education, and freedom».

The students' first meeting for the march to the U.S. Embassy It's at 1:00 p.m. outside the Polytechnic. On 4:00 p.m. in Chavteia will be concentrated the SYRIZA-PS community that will send the message that «Democracy will prevail!».

It should be noted that SYRIZA-PS President Alexis Tsipras laid a wreath at the Polytechnic yesterday, Wednesday.

Calls The following organizations are calling for the anti-imperialist march to the U.S. Embassy on November 17:

• Athens Student Unions: 1 p.m. gathering at the Polytechnic and 3 p.m. at Klathmonos Square
• Student Struggle Front (MAS): 4:30 p.m. at the Propylaea
• Groups from the anti-authoritarian movement, extra-parliamentary left-wing parties [ANTARSYA, NAR-nKA, SEK, KKE (m-l), OKDE], KEERFA: 3:00 p.m. at Klathmonos Square
• Association of Imprisoned and Exiled Resistance Fighters (SFEA) 1967–1974: 4 p.m.
• Attica Regional Committee of the KKE: 5 p.m. at the intersection of Stadiou and Georgiou Stavrou Streets

«Downtown Athens: A »Fortress”

Meanwhile, the city has decided to turn downtown Athens into a «fortress» Mitsotakis government, by implementing draconian measures.

As decided at a meeting at the Hellenic Police Headquarters, More than 5,500 police officers are being deployed, with particular emphasis placed on security for universities, embassies, and government buildings.

At the same time, plainclothes police officers will be located at key points throughout the wider downtown Athens area, while events will be held preventive inspections.

From the air, drones and a helicopter They will continuously transmit footage to the Hellenic Police Operations Center, while they will also be monitored and rooftops of apartment buildings, especially in the Exarchia neighborhood.

Finally, the Hellenic Police’s special armored water cannon vehicles will also be on hand, the «auras» which will be located both in central Athens and in the wider area.

How the Metro and Buses Will Operate

Three metro stations will remain closed for a few hours on Thursday due to measures taken by the Greek Police in connection with the demonstrations. More specifically, according to an announcement by STASY, the metro station «Concert Hall» will close at 3:00 p.m., and the stations «Constitution» and «Evangelism» They will close at 4:30 p.m.

At the same time, the OASA announced that it will proceed with temporary amendments the route and/or relocation of bus and trolleybus starting points to streets surrounding the Polytechnic and throughout the city center, gradually and in accordance with prevailing traffic conditions.

According to the same announcement, buses on the X95 SYNTAGMA – ATHENS AIRPORT (EXPRESS) will run only as far as the Ethniki Amyna metro station.