Athens restores normal traffic after large commemorative protests
Authorities lifted traffic restrictions in central Athens late Monday following nationwide marches marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 Polytechnic uprising.
Police said traffic has returned to normal and metro stations at Syntagma, Panepistimio, Evangelismos, Megaro Mousikis and Omonia have reopened.
Tens of thousands of people marched in major cities to honor the student revolt against Greece’s military dictatorship. In Athens, families, political groups and organizations laid flowers at the historic Polytechnic building early in the day. The bloodstained flag carried annually by student activists reached the US Embassy at about 4:20 p.m., ahead of the main march.
Police estimated more than 15,000 people joined the demonstration. Officers conducted 1,072 checks, making 47 detentions and 13 arrests.
In the northern port city of Thessaloniki, large crowds marched peacefully, though some participants burned US, Israeli and NATO flags outside the US consulate. Police made 11 detentions and two arrests before the march, mostly for drug and weapons violations. Central roads later reopened.
In the western city of Patras, police detained about 20 people during pre-march checks. Two separate marches proceeded through the city without major incidents.
In Hania, Crete, hundreds marched peacefully after a memorial gathering, with police present but no clashes reported.
