Ghetto of lawlessness at Greek universities

Violence, drug dealing, robberies and sexual harassment are thriving in the courtyards and amphitheatres of Greek universities.

To address these issues, the government is creating a 12-member committee, under former justice minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos, to discuss issues of “academic freedom and peace”.

“I feel disgust and shame at once,” Athens University Professor of Theatre Arts Manos Stefanidis told Ta Nea.

Stefanidis said there were new attacks at the university campus in Athens’ Zografou neighbourhood.

“I abhor being fearful and those who cultivate a climate of fear at universities. Today, there is a climate of fear,” he said

Violent incidents have multiplied since summer, when a law reinstating university asylum was passed. The new law provides that the approval of a seven-member Rector’s Council, including one student, is required for police to enter a university campus.

“We now have incidents of sexual assaults. The driver of a passing taxi recently attacked a student on campus and genetic evidence was collected, which was handed over to police,” said Stefanidis, who himself has fallen prey to attack.

Stefanidis in the coming days will meet Education Minister Kostas Gavroglu.

“Today, most students do not concern themselves with politics. They are indifferent. Their future seems dark. They want to quickly finish their studies, but many believe they will receive a degree with no professional prospects. They are concerned only about their future,” said Stefanidis.

“ On top of all that, they must confront fear in the university. They leave the campus at night in groups of four or five, because they are afraid. All of this is our responsibility. We cannot have thugs threatening teachers and students inside universities,” the theatre arts professor concluded.