By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) - Tens of thousands of Greeks in Athens marched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising against the military junta that ruled from 1967 to 1974.
The massive crowd consisted of students’ associations, labor unions, various left-wing parties, anti-authority collectives, Muslim and Palestinian associations gathered in the afternoon at central Klafthmonos Square before beginning the march to the American Embassy.
When the names of those killed during the uprising were read, the crowd shouted “immortals,” and continued by saying chanting: “We honor our dead through struggle.”
Particularly visible were the many Palestinian flags and banners expressing solidarity with Palestine apart from those condemning Israel as well as the US, NATO, and imperialism.
The uprising began Nov. 14, 1973, and escalated to an open revolt against the military junta.
It ended in bloodshed in the early morning of Nov. 17, after a series of events starting with a tank crashing through the gates of the Polytechnic.
At least 24 civilians were killed.