Occupied space at Biology school of Thessaloniki –SQUAT FOREVER”
On Thursday, November 18, 2021, we noticed some “changes” inside the building of the School of Biology (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). Specifically, in the foyer area, there was plasterboard placed blocking half the space, leaving a corridor between the two entrances of the building. In fact, there were even some visible red marks (X) on certain walls, including one wall of the squatted space marking them for demolition.
After an online search at the Ministry of Digital Governance and Transparency program webpage, we found out that on September 16th, 2021, there was a post for an ongoing project, titled: “RECONSTRUCTION NEEDS FOR THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES, neighbouring building”, commissioned for 1,320,600.00 euro. One of the stipulates was to complete the project within 16 months from the signed agreement and start the demolition of the marked walls within 4 months (until January 2022). From the layout plans it is clear that they intend to repurpose the squatted space as a “waiting area” – something “extremely viable” for the functionality of the school. The immediate threat for eviction, comes directly by rectors and contractors who have already started remodelling the “unused” spaces…
During a period, when the student community is under attack, through the legislation of “Anti-Education” bills, and “imperative security measures” to place “University Cops” within the campus, the University prefers to focus on remodelling! And while we are already facing the social and economic backlash of the poor management of the pandemic and health measures, the state takes a step further towards downgrading public education; instead of focusing on upgrading Universities and education facilities, as well as the public health sector. Numerous times has the state clearly shown its intention to “sterilise” universities and campus life, suppress any political voice and radicalisation, and of course prioritise making profit for a few pockets, instead of the needs of the students. More specifically, the eviction of the squat at Biology school, seems to be part of this wider state plan, considering the fact that the vice minister of education Mr Sirigos, has mentioned the squat twice, by name, stating that it will be replaced by a “library”, stressing at the same thime, the importance of deploying “University Cops” for the safety of the campus. Furthermore, on Thursday, December 9th, a group of undercover cops was spotted inspecting the main foyer area at the school of sciences; while there were ongoing autonomous activities taking place in the same building (the regular assembly of autonomus students of the Physics department and rehearsals by D.I.Y. theatre groups). Of course, there was immediate reaction, with a demonstration that took place inside the campus, the next day.
The fact that the state wants to eliminate any spark of resistance inside public Universities, does not come as a surprise…
They show us their teeth…we BREAK them! There is clear evidence of the close relationship between university authorities and the state, through the repressive mechanisms they have deployed many times, in recent years. From the evacuations of university property squats such as, Terra Incognita, Rosa Nera, Vancouver Apartment, the autonomous space in the school of Economics in Athens, to the invasions in the Student Halls of Residence in Athens and the extensive damages to occupied political spaces. From the recruitment of “University Cops”, to the recent parody with the “D.N.A. mix-up” during the persecution of 14 squatters, at the rectory of the National Technical University of Athens.
This time they will be held accountable! The occupied space at Biology school of Thessaloniki, is and active squat for the last 34 years. To this day it continues to be a meeting place for political dialogue, self-organisation and solidarity, in an anti-commercial context. It promotes the daily claim of our lives, supports incarcerated comrades and hosts collectives, autonomous groups and D.I.Y. gigs, maintaining a diversity of expression, action and political struggle. The oppression that the squat has faced so far, derives mainly from internal university authorities and deans. In the past, collectives, students and individuals have been targeted, numerous times, for their involvement with the squat.
For us, squats are spaces of freedom, which reject the notions of hierarchy, property and economic exploitation.
We will not wait impatiently for the evacuation of the squat…we are HERE!
When you fight you can lose, when you don’ t fight you have already lost.
