ATHENS – Student, teacher and parent unions and groups planned to take to the streets Jan. 28 to protest a bill that would bring education forms, despite a COVID-19 prohibition against public gatherings of more than 100 people.

The Hellenic Police (ELAS) ordered the closure of a main metro station, Panepistimio, in central Athens until the end of the march, which they estimate it will gather about 3,000 to 4,000 people in the city center.

There were no reports they would try to stop it or enforce the ban that was imposed by the New Democracy government in a move critics said was intended to silence dissent, not slow the pandemic.

Protesters, which include the Federation of Secondary State School Teachers (OLME), want the Ministry of Education to recall parts of the bill, including a provision setting up security forces on universities hit with violence.

The protesters also don’t want a minimum entry requirement to get into college or a limit on how long students can stay without graduating which has led to “eternal students” not going to class or having passing grades.

They’re also opposed to the ban on public gatherings in force until March 1 so far.