Events were held on Monday in Cyprus to honour the November 17, 1973, uprising against the junta in Greece, during which the military dictatorship sent a tank into the polytechnic leading to the death of scores of people.
Holding a huge banner reading “The people don’t forget the fascism and the tanks”, people marched in Nicosia on Monday morning from the city centre to the US embassy, where an event was staged outside the building.
In Greece, 5,000 police officers were posted in central Athens hours before the 3pm march to mark the anniversary.
People of all ages have been gathering since early on Monday morning outside the Polytechnic to honour those lost in the uprising.
Metro stations in central Athens were set to close at 5pm.
Political parties in Cyprus issued statements on Monday to mark the anniversary.
In its statement, Disy said the anniversary stands as a reminder that the principles, values and ideals of Hellenism could not be exploited by regimes and anti-democratic minorities.
Akel said the 1973 uprising continues to inspire young people and every democrat and progressive person, and the then slogan “US out, Nato out” remains the heart of the struggle.
Diko pointed out that democracy should not be taken for granted and condemned “every form of fascism and attempts to falsify the historic truth”.
Edek said “the slogan remains engraved since then: Never again fascism”.
Dipa said the uprising was not just a historical moment, but a timeless symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.
The Cyprus Greens said the Polytechnic remains a beacon of inspiration and “lives in today’s struggles and pursuits”.
