Police van comes under attack as authorities brace for Nov 17 rally
An unmarked police van and its driver came under attack by a group of unidentified youths on the crossing of Zaimi and Stournari Streets near the National Technical University of Athens on Thursday, the day marking the 17 November, 1973 student uprising against the military dictatorship at the university, known as the Polytechneion.
The youths surrounded the van which, according to reports, was carrying helmets and other material for police forces stationed in the area.
Riot police forces rushed to the scene forcing the youths to flee.
Meanwhile, Greek authorities were bracing for violence on Thursday, with about 4,000 policemen expected to be deployed in central Athens as part of security measures in view of a protest march to the US Embassy in Athens later in the day. The annual rally is often marred by violent incidents.
Motorists were advised to avoid the city center, while public transport disruptions were expected on the Athens metro and the capital’s bus, trolley bus and tram services.
