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11 Feb 2021

Greece: Explosions, clashes and arrests at protest over education bill i...




Ruptly
Clashes between riot police and protesters broke out during a demonstration over an education bill outside the Greek Parliament in Athens, on Wednesday. Protesters were seen throwing firebombs at police, who used tear gas to disperse the crowds, as well as arresting some of the demonstrators. "While there are not enough funds and proper infrastructure at universities, the government chooses to spend money on police and disciplining students. Students say there is no way this law will be applied," said Vaggelis, a student. The bill, which has been proposed by the ruling and conservative-leaning New Democracy party, would lift a decades-old ban on police entering university grounds, enacted in the aftermath of the fall of the military dictatorship. Officials argue the ban had been exploited to organise violent protests and criminal activity. As part of the bill, students could also be held accountable for putting up banners and poster across campus. Protests have been ongoing in recent weeks, with many students believing freedom of expression could be at stake at universities. The bill would also place a time limit on how long students have to complete their degrees. (Boooooooo fuck the new world order)