Violent clashes at two Greek universities Tuesday left several students injured and drew condemnation from authorities ahead of nationwide student elections.
At Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, masked assailants armed with clubs, crowbars, smoke bombs and incendiary devices stormed a faculty building during classes and attacked students, state broadcaster ERT reported. Seven students were hurt, one seriously, hospital officials said.
Police detained 39 people after intervening on campus following reports of life‑threatening violence. Investigations are continuing.
Later Tuesday, about 10 masked attackers armed with hammers and knives injured two students at the University of West Attica in Athens before fleeing. Eight suspects were detained for questioning.
Greek universities have long been centers of political activism, with tensions often rising before student elections.
The Education Ministry condemned the attacks. Deputy Higher Education Minister Nikos Papaioannou said security protocols were activated and a full investigation was underway.