Two university guards at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, in the Macedonian province, were brutally attacked by around 30 hooded assailants. The violent attack is believed to be connected the the education reforms being pushed by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis in parliament.

On friday the two guards were attacked with clubs, chunks of cement and one was undressed.

Veteran deputy of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), Alekos Alavanos condemned the attacks but attributed the violent climate to the government reforms, accusing the PM of "Sabotaging universities".

Mr. Karamanlis reacted sharply to Alavanos' comments and declared the attacks on the guard - and an attack on the rector of the same university on wednesday - were the actions of an extreme minority and were not representative of the majority of students there.

Anastassios Manthos, the university rector who was attacked, said the violence was perpetrated by underworld figures looking to take advantage of the universities immunity status; referring to the situation in Greece which prohibits the entry of police on to the grounds of any university.

The PM inisted the reforms, aimed and stricter assessment of state universities and the creation of private ones, would go ahead. “We are obliged to challenge the absolute power of certain self-serving individuals who have secured niches (in the university system) and to allow... non-profit organizations to exploit opportunities,” the PM said.

 (SOURCES: KATHIMERINI)