[InTime News]
Security cameras at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) were vandalized in late March, just weeks after being installed.
Fourteen of the 25 cameras at the Zografou campus were destroyed in under 10 minutes, causing €17,000 in damage, according to university officials. Similar damage was also reported at the historic Patission Street campus, where not all cameras are yet operational.
The decision to install surveillance systems was made by the institution’s governing council in accordance with Law 4957/2022, which requires Greek universities to submit security plans including electronic surveillance.
“This was a political decision. We won’t back down,” said Rector Ioannis Hatzigeorgiou. “The destroyed cameras will be replaced.”
Resistance has emerged from student groups and some faculty, citing privacy concerns. Despite criticism, NTUA continues implementing its security plan, which includes alarms, limited access and renovation of previously occupied spaces. “We can’t let vandalism continue,” Hatzigeorgiou said.