Police forces have been gathered outside the buildings of the Athens Law School and the Athens University of Economics in Greece, after a decision of the Rectors of the Universities not to shut down the schools ahead of the celebrations of the Polytechnic School (Polytechneio) anniversary of November 17, but to control the entrance of students.
There was a build-up of tension earlier today outside the Law school building on Masalias street downtown Athens, when around 50 students tried to enter into the building. Police used teargas to disburse them. Students then moved to Academias street and blocked the road.
Tension however has now eased up and traffic is back to normal on Academias street. This year police measures are expected to be very intense, as there are fears that clashes will occur during the celebrations on Monday.
November 17 is observed as a holiday in Greece for all educational establishments, while schools and all universities stay closed during the day. The central location for the commemoration is the campus of the Polytechneio, in Panepistimiou street downtown Athens. The campus is closed on the 15th (the day the students first occupied the campus in 1973). Students and politicians lay wreaths on a monument within the Polytechneio, which bears the names of Polytechneio students. The commemoration day ends traditionally with a demonstration that begins from the campus of the Polytechneio and ends at the United States embassy.
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