Regarding universities and their image, which has changed, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis spoke during the regular briefing of political editors. As he mentioned in his introductory remarks, through a coordinated operation, the administration of the University of Athens and the management of the National Youth and Lifelong Learning Institute, with the assistance of the Hellenic Police, evacuated spaces at the University of Athens Student Residence (FEPA) in Zografou from non-university occupiers just before Christmas holidays. The common areas, a gymnasium and 32 storage rooms, had been under occupation for almost a decade by an unknown number of individuals.
Marinakis: University image has changed, every university space is freed from violators
Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that, following coordination between University of Athens rector Mr. Gerasimos Siasos and the president of the National Youth and Lifelong Learning Institute Ms. Anna Rokofyllou (which owns these particular Student Residences) and in cooperation with Minister of Citizen Protection Mr. Michalis Chrysochoidis, cleaning crews arrived on site, while Hellenic Police forces were also notified to assist in the evacuation work. As soon as they arrived at the Student Residence, the non-university occupiers fled and no police intervention was needed.
He continued by saying that within just 72 hours, the crews changed the doors, cleaned the space and carried out work so that immediately after the holidays they could return the common areas to the University of Athens administration, which will decide how to utilize them.
In conclusion, Pavlos Marinakis stressed that: “The image of universities has changed and every university space is being freed from violators and returned to its legitimate users, namely students and professors”.
