Thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens on Friday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a student uprising in 1973 that played a significant role in overthrowing the military junta at the time. With more than 25,000 people participating, the demonstration saw one of the largest turnouts in recent years, often becoming a platform for protests against government policies and ongoing conflicts.

The march was heavily guarded by hundreds of police, particularly as it approached the US Embassy, which was believed to have provided tacit support to the dictatorship that collapsed in 1974. Banners reading "Resistance for ever!" were held by demonstrators, who also waved Palestinian flags, while other groups marched to the Israeli embassy. Similar tensions between police and protesters were observed in Thessaloniki, resulting in minor clashes. The junta's downfall in 1974 was sparked by public outrage over a coup they initiated in Cyprus, leading to Turkey's invasion of the island.