Some tension at November 17 commemoration
Tensions rose on Friday at the National Technical University of Athens, known locally as the Polytechneio, when protesters hurled coffee and water at Deputy Education Minister Theodoros Papatheodorou, as he attempted to lay a wreath commemorating 39 years since the November 17 student uprising against the country’s military dictatorship in 1973.
During the day hundreds of Athenians were expected to pass the Polytechneio gates and pay their respects.
On Saturday, a protest march toward the United States Embassy in Athens is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m.
In the last few years November 17 demonstrations and tributes have reflected local anger with regard to austerity measures in exchange for the country receiving financial aid.
