Thessaloniki: Hungerstrikers' Determination Forces Their Release
IMC-UK, 01.12.2003 00:00
The Thessaloniki 7 were released on 26 Nov at 4.00 p.m Greek time. The hungerstrike has come to an end after between 49 and 66 days [First pics of the hungerstrikers & health report & FZLN support message]. The 7 are not allowed to leave Greece until their trial takes place [imc athens | imc uk].
The Council of Judges ruled their release after the district attorney in Athens ordered doctors to force feed the hungertrikers. Pressure on the Greek authorities had increased since the hungerstrikers' health deteriorated. Solidarity groups formed all over the world, 28 European parliament members called for the prisoners' release, Amnesty International called for an independent inquiry.
Indymedia Athens states: "This
is a victory of the struggle for dignity and freedom by the 5 hunger
strikers, of the other 2 prisoners, but as well the thousands of people
that stood up for them all over the world!!!! It is an outright defeat
for the greek state-repression complex, and for the global
"anti-terror" mechanisms".
Solidarity campaigns all over the world continue demanding justice for the "Thessaloniki 7".
The main IMC-UK Thessaloniki Solidarity page is updated continuously.
Imc Thessaloniki | Hungerstrike Latest Updates | Reports | Support | Free Simon Chapman Campaign
The 'Saloniki 7' were imprisoned on false charges following demos at the EU Summit in Thessaloniki
in June 2003. Five of them were on hungerstrike between 49 and 66 days,
protesting against the circumstances of their arrests and imprisonment.
Spiros Tsitsas has been without food since Oct 7th, Simon Chapman,
Fernardo and Carlos have not eaten since 5th Oct. Suleiman "Castro"
Dakduk has been on a hunger strike since 21 Sept. After increasing
pressure from international support groups, alternative and corporate
media, especially after an order to forcefeed them, the Greek
authorities have decided to release all 7 until their trial comes up.
They are not allowed to leave the country.
Update 23 Nov Suleiman Dadkuk "Castro" was moved to a civilian hospital [doctors statement]
November 27: Spiros, Carlos and Fernando are treated in an
Athens hospital, where yesterday, a happy crowd celebrated their
release. Michalis Traikapis and Dimitris Fliouras celebrated at the
occupied building of Athens University. [report]. The ezln sent a support message.
November 26:The Thessaloniki 7 were released today, as a result
of their dertermined hungerstrike in protest against their imprisonment
on false charges [First pics of the hungerstrikers & health report]. The news spread from imc thessaloniki to indymedia uk within 1 hour: [14:30 |
14:43 |
14:51 |
14:56 |
14:58 |
15:06 |
15:06 |
15:07 |
15:08 |
15:14 |
15:21 |
15:23 |
15:24 |
15:26 |
15:33 |
15:39 ]
Solidarity groups all over the world are wishing them a good recovery - and support the next steps in their struggle.
November 26: At 4 pm Greek time, a special Council ruled that
the Thessaloniki 7 are to be set free until their trial. Meanwhile,
they are not be allowed to leave the country. [imc athens | imc uk | reuters].
Earlier in the day, the Athens district attorney issued a statement
that the 5 hunger strikers will be forced fed and doctors who refuse
this will be "charged with homicide" [reuters | imc uk]. Possibly, this lead to increased media pressure on the Greek authorities.
November 25: 2 Hungerstrikers moved to hospital in critical condition [Press Release TPSG 26 Nov]. An Amnesty International Press Release calls for independent investigation into ill-treatment of demonstrators. A photo by Reuters photographer Yannis Behrakis clearly proves that Simon has been framed by the greek police.
November 24 The public prosecutor suggested to turn down the
request for immediate release of the seven hungerstrikers. The final
decision of the magistrates council is expected in a few days. They can
decide against the public prosecutors suggestion.
[Thessaloniki Legal Team Press Release 24 Nov imc uk |
imc thessaloniki]
Due to their "extremely dangerous" condition, the hunger-strikers' doctors issued a public call [imc uk | imc thessaloniki]
November 23: Kleanthis Grivas, Alexandra Eftimiadou, Maria-Myrtw
Griva,
physicians of the 5 on hunger strike, examined Carlos Martin, Fernado
Perez and
Spiros Tsitsas in the General Public Hospital of Nikaia. The doctors
had a hard time finding someone in charge, and concluded: "In Greece,
civil rights have a chance of being
relatively protected only if their infringement happens to take
place during week days and not during Sundays or Holidays". A lawsuit
against Greek authorities is envisaged doctor's statement
November 22: The authorities continue to move the weakened
hungerstrikers around, without informing their doctors and lawyers.
Solaiman Dadkuk "Castro" was taken to the Tzanio state hospital, as the
prison hospital at Korydalos prison is not sufficiently equipped. He
needs a surgical operation to prevent perforation of intestine. He was
trasported back to prison, although the doctor of his choice disagreed.
Carlos Martinez was taken to the Nikaea General State Hospital. The
members of the medical staff of Koridalos Prison Hospital refuse to
provide information to Simon Chapman’s lawyer. [report | Legal Team Press Release 23 Nov]
November 21: The Greek Justice Minister has ordered a decision
be made by Nov 21. Two members of the Thessaloniki Prisoner Support
Group handed a letter of appeal to the Greek Ambassador in London. They
wanted assurances that he had watched video evidence, recorded by Greek
news television, which casts serious doubt over the integrity of the
arrests made on the day (letter and video available on
www.freesimonchapman.org).
The Greek authorities must now make the decision whether to release the
hungerstrikers on bail or let them die. [Thessaloniki Prisoner Support
Group Press Update Nov 21]
November 20: Requests for the release of the hunger strikers have not been answered. The doctors issued an alarming 2nd medical statement [imc Thessaloniki | imc uk].
Carlos Martin MartÃnez', (26), and Fernando PÃorez' (21) health has
worsened. All detainees require urgent continuous medical care [report].
| |
November 19 Following a report of the Greek state broadcaster ERT, a
Supreme Court prosecutor
ordered an investigation into claims that Simon Chapman, held in
pre-trial custody since his arrest after the June 21 G8 protests in
Thessaloniki was framed by police. [
imcuk |
Kathimerini].
November 17: Dr. Kleanthis Grivas, one of the doctors of the five Hungerstrikers, releases a
photo of Simon chapman on his 44th day without food.
November 15: The doctors of the 5 hungerstrikers release a
public call in time for the Nov 17th demonstrations all over Greece.
November 14: A
medical report
by the doctors of the 5 hunger-strikers was given to the Juridical
Authorities in Thessaloniki by their lawyers as part of a release
application on medical grounds [
Report(Gr/Eng)]. According to the report, the hungerstrike "includes now most certainly the risk of causing irreversible health damages".
November 13: Doctors and lawyers visited the hungerstrikers today [
Report(Gr/Eng)].
They report that their medical condition is now very dangerous, and can
result in irreversible damage to their health. Fernando Perez's
situation remains critical and doctors fear he could fall into coma at
any time.
November 11: After a dramatic 2 day thirst strike, the prisoners demands for slight improvements of their conditions were met [
report]
But they were forced on a 400 mile transport ordeal from Thessaloniki
to a prison hospital in Athens. This was ordered by the Ministry of
Justice and involved a massive police presence. [
Report]
November 10: The hunger strikers, who have all been in hospital
since Friday night, have today started to refuse liquids. This dramatic
escalation in their protest was in response to a denial of their basic
rights. When their lawywers arrived at the hospital they were
surrounded and threatened by armed police who prevented them from
entering. Also rumors that the hungerstrikers may be split up and sent
to seperate prisons some miles away [
Report |
Legal Team Press release]
November 10: The other two 'Saloniki 7' prisoners started a seven day
solidarity hunger strike which is due to end next Monday, Nov 17.
November 8: All 5 hungerstrikers are
taken to hospital as their physical condition is becoming increasingly critical.
November 6: Fernando and Tsitsas went to Papanikolaou hospital, as a result of being on hunger-strike
[
Report(Gr/Eng)] and went back to prison as they did not accept any food or medical treatment. Legal Team
press release.
November 5: Carlos Martin has been returned to the prison after having
spent 1 day in two different hospitals.
His lawyer reports that on arrival to the hospital he was put in a
chair with his hands tied behind his back, and was continually beaten
and kicked by police throughout the night.
Report here.
November 3: Carlos Martin Martinez was admited to hospital on Monday evening after 30 days without food,
IMC-Thessaloniki reports.
26 Nov 03 - Leeds: Ongoing vigil
25 Nov 03 - London: We interrupt this Greek cultural evening in the Royal Fest Hall
xx xxx 03 - London: If any of the hungerstrikers falls into a coma or dies, the Thessaloniki Prisoner Support Group will hold a demo at 4pm the same day at the Greek Tourist Board
25 Nov 03 - Cambridge: Info stall call
24 Nov 03 - UK: Design: "For the Greek Government, killing activists is now an olympic sport"
24 Nov 03 - 28 Nov - West Yorkshire: Week of action [call & report]
24 Nov 03 - London: Thessaloniki Prisoner Support Group held a demo outside the Greek Embassy [call]
24 Nov 03 - Edinburgh: 740 signatures for the immediate release
of the Salonica were collected in less than 5 days, and sent to Greek
ministers of Justice and Interior [report]
21 Nov 03 - Cambridge: Info stall, 52 people signed postcards to the Greek ambassador report
21 Nov 03 - UK: MEP Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, requests urgent action from uk and greek government
[report]
21 Nov 03 - London: Activists entered the Greek Consulate and explained to an official the urgent need to release the hungerstrikers.
About a dozen activists occupied the offices of the Greek Tourist board, one was arrested [report 1 |
2]
21 Nov 03 - 23 Nov - West Yorkshire: Prisoners Solidarity Weekend including:
Bradford Nov 21 Benefit evening 7 pm at the 1 in 12 Club
Leeds Nov 22 Pickets Sat Nov 22 afternoon and evening
Leeds Nov 23 Benefit Film Screening at Packhorse Pub [invitation][report]
17 Nov 03 - Edinburgh: freesalonika7 are collecting signatures
for the immediate release of all seven prisoners on High Street (near
St. Gyles Cathedral), for as long as Simon Chapman, Suleiman Dakduk,
Carlos Martinez, Fernando Perez, Spiros Tsitsas and two unnamed
juveniles are in prison [report].
18 Nov 03 - Colchester: benefit & solidarity exhibition and screening [invitation]
15 Nov 03 - Colchester: The local support group put together a slide show about the Saloniki 7.
14 Nov 03 - London: Solidarity picket takes place outside the Greek Tourist Board in central London [Reports 1 | 2]
14 Nov 03 - London: A benefit gig in support of the Thessaloniki Prisoners Support Campaign is taking place at the Eton Mission Social Club, 91 Eastway, Hackney Wick.
14 Nov 03 - London: Protests
were held outside the Greek Embassy in the morning and after work.
Also, a reception by the Greek Ambassador was gatecrashed by a
protestor [Report & Thoughts on more actions]
11 Nov 03 - Colchester: Solidaris organised a solidarity screening and talk.
09 Nov 03 - Norwich: a "Week of Action" in support of the 'Saloniki 7' called by Norwich Anarchists, ended with a 24hr protest and solidarity hunger strike [update].
08 Nov 03 - London: On the international day of action in
solidarity with the Saloniki 7 hunger strikers, about 80 people went to
the Greek ambassadors house. They protested with samba and a
street-theatre re-inactment of Simon's arrest [Pics and Reports 1 and 2 | Video]
08 Nov 03 - Cardiff: Cardiff Anarchist Network organised a solidarity benefit gig
27 Oct 03 - London: Solidarity Demonstration outside the Greek Embassy.
Demonstrations in support of the "Saloniki 7' are continuing to be held throughout Europe:
26 Nov 03 - Athens: Demo outside the hospital, celebrating
25 Nov 03 - Amnesty: Amnesty International Press Release
calls for independent investigation into ill-treatment of demonstrators
25 Nov 03 - Dublin: 5 Irish people will hold a 24 hour fast in solidarity with the Thessaloniki hunger strikers outside the Greek Embassy. [
report 26 nov | report
imc ireland |
imc uk |
background til 20 Nov]
24 Nov 03 - Athens: Fifth day University Administration
Occupation. Demos in the evening at the Ministry of Justice.
Administration of Polytechnic occupied. Heraklio: Building of City Hall
occupied. [
report]
24 Nov 03 - Thessaloniki:
Faculty of Theology under occupation in solidarity with the Thess7. From the
statement:
"We demand the immediate release of our seven comrades (...) The
ultimate plan (of the state) is to impose the silence of the graveyard
upon society before, during and after the Olympic Games.
24 Nov 03 - Miami: Solidarity statement from
Miami Activist Defense Legal Team
24 Nov 03 - Madrid: Demos announced for 29 and 30 November
[
call |
background in spanish]
24 Nov 03 - Belgium: Demo outside the Greek Consulate in Gent on
21 Nov, on 24 Nov in Brussels, the consulate's office was occupied for
about half an hour [
report].
24 Nov 03 - Melbourne:
call to action
22 Nov 03 - Athens: Athens University Administration still occupied for several days in solidarity with the Thessaloniki 7. [
statement]
20 Nov 03 - Montreal: Support for Tessaloniki during an anti-FTAA demo with 1500 people [
imc uk |
imc thessaloniki]
20 Nov 03 - Athens: Anarchists and anti-authoritarians occupied
the Rector´s Institute of the University of Athens. They demand "the
immediate liberation of the seven fighters" [
imcuk |
infoshop] In the evening, a demo took place in town [
report]
16 Nov 03 - Turkey: ELP volunteers hung 2 banners from a bridge in the name of Thessaloniki prisoners and Swiss eco-prisoner Marco Camenisch
[
pic]
15 Nov - Greece: List of Solidarity actions since Nov 11.
15 Nov - Aranjuez: Demonstration
15 Nov - Malta: Malta solidarity with Saloniki 7;
34 Rock bands, Political, Cultural and Social Organisations, Promoters,
Publishers, Artists and Music Critics have signed a petition that was
submitted to the Greek Ambassador in Malta.
14 Nov - Paris: Greek Embassy occupied [
fr] and Air Olympic attacked during
ESF Demonstration [
report.
14 Nov - Thessaloniki: Between 40 and 50 anarchists occupied the
offices of the governamental party. When they left the building they
were attacked by the police. Protestors were beaten and sprayed with
gas. One activist was arrested, but freed later. Reports in Greek [
1 and
2]
14 Nov - Dublin: Demonstrators on today's action carried a heavy
black wooden coffin to the front door of the Greek Embassy in Eire.
They also carried five large black flags - each one a symbol of the
five people on hunger strike. [
Full report & Photos]
14 Nov - A Corunha: A series of
continuous 24h solidarity hunger strikes started 3 days ago in the
Galician city. The action has been organised by the anarchist local group
Oveja Negra
12 Nov - Athens: 150 protesters on motorcycles
drove to the front door of Greece's Prime Minister private residence, where they held an impromptu demonstration seeking the release of the 'Saloniki 7' [
report].
11 Nov - Thessaloniki: 2 people
were arrested
outside Korydalos prison whilst they were trying to film the transfer
of the Thessaloniki 5, so to get further evidence of the inhuman
treatment they are receiving.
07 Nov - Thessaloniki: A
2,000 strong demonstration took place.
06 Nov - Athens: 1,500 people took the streets in support of the 'Saloniki 7'[Pics
1|
2|
3|
video |
report]. On the same night, three banks were attacked in the City [
Photos]
04 Nov - Thessaloniki: Report and Photos of solidarity picket outside Thessaloniki's hospital where Carlos Martin was taken on Nov 3rd.
03 Nov - Barcelona: 70 Metro entrances were sealed with a combination of silicone gel and the fitting of ill fitted keys into the locks.[
report]
31 Oct - Thessaloniki: A
symbolic solidarity hungerstrike [
es] was held by the girlfriends of 3 of the prisoners until Nov 2. [
statement].
21 Oct - Thessaloniki: There was an
office occupation of the Journalist's Union in Thessaloniki last week as well as a planned
Theatrical action for the solidarity of the 7 imprisoned. A
solidarity pamphlet has also been circulated by the "enemy within."
21 Sept - Worldwide: An international day of action in support with th 'Saloniki7', with actions in the USA (
San Francisco), Greece (Athens -
1 /
2 /
3 ) and Spain (
Barcelona), although there have been spontaneous demonstrations on other days too (see report from
Helsinki). There have also been actions in Madrid, and other places. Read the updates from
Athens Indymedia.
A reflection on the state of prisoner's support in UK: Thessaloniki Prisoner Solidarity - where is it?
London Defence and Monitoring Group update 24th October 2003.
Legal Team Update 29/10/2003 on the health of the hunger strikers.
Calendar of solidarity events around the world.
For donations to the campaign for the immediate release of the "Thessaloniki 7" send cheques payable to "ABC" to: BM AUTOMATIC, LONDON, WCIN 3XX, UK. For more links or to get involved email: thessalonikiprisoners [at] yahoo.co.uk
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Evidence on film and mainstream media coverage
31.10.2003 17:36
There
is convincing evidence in the form of photos - plus TV footage from the
Greek national news channel, ET3 - which clearly demonstrates police
brutality and the planting of evidence on Simon Chapman, check
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/09/278180.html#evidence
A fairly complete collection of mainstream media articles related
to Simon Chapman and the Thessaloniki Prisoners is available at http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/09/278180.html#cmedia
IMC-UK
Legal Team press Release
02.11.2003 16:51
Imc Austria:
http://austria.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=33533&group=webcast
From LEGAL TEAM 2003
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday 29/10/2003
Judicial indifference and correctional Middle Ages
Asking for the ending of their pre-arrest, five of the seven
imprisoned protestors of the rallys against the European Summit last
June in Thessaloniki continue their hunger strike.
Suleiman Dakduk (Castro) is on the 39th day of his hunger strike,
Carlos Martin, Fernando Perez and Simon Chapman on the 25th and Spiros
Tsitsas on the 22nd .
On Monday, Spiros Tsitsas was transferred for a few hours to the
hospital to be given first aid due to arterial pressure disorders and
after suffering successive fainting shocks. On the whole, the health
situation of the hunger strikers is worsening by the day and their
permanent transfer to the hospital is a matter of days.
The decision for the hunger strike was caused by the attitude of
the judicial authorities who regard the accused as already guilty,
thereby grossly violating the principle of “assumed innocence”.
Moreover, the decision on their pre- imprisonment, as well as the
overruling of requests for their release, are solely based on a
generalizing verdict about their “dangerousness” and the possibility of
them committing punishable acts if released. It is however obvious that
what in reality is keeping them imprisoned is the already in June
apparent need for an “exemplary punishment” of the arrested protestors.
Additionally to these tactics, there is also the special status of
detention the hunger strikers are receiving in the Diavata judicial
prison of Thessaloniki. Hunger strike, while an unalienable right
registered in the Penal Code, is considered in Diavata to constitute a
disciplinary offense with an inofficial penalty of denying the hunger
strikers communication with their intimate people. This inhuman
treatment explicitly constitutes not only a violation of one of the
most elementary rights of the prisoners, but an insult to our legal
civilization as a whole.
The Legal Team 2003 calls upon the ones responsible to contemplate
the weight of their responsibilities as they hold in their hands the
lives of the hunger strikers and cannot stay deaf to this ultimate call
for justice. The consequences of the strike could be tragic to the
hunger strikers as well as for the democratic liberties.
Wednesday 29/10/2003
LEGAL TEAM 2003
fwd
Update from Simon - November 2nd
02.11.2003 19:00
I
just spoke with Simon Chapman this evening. He has told me that as of
one week ago all the hunger strikers [inc. him] have refused the
vitamin suplements and olive oil drinks. This has meant that they have
accelorated the hunger strike and have again refused the cooperation
with the prison regime. This could mean that tommorrow all 5 men will
be admitted to hospital for surveillance and tests. They might also be
given injections to stop their condition deterioating further.
This is another attempt by the prison regime to 'soften' the impact
of the hunger strike, so it is likely they will refuse the aid of the
hospital.
Castro, Simon and Carlo's girlfriends are due to finish their three
day symbollic hunger strike tommorrow morning. They have been on hunger
strike since Friday morning and were aided by supporters with a
loudspeaker system on a truck to gain support from the local
population. Thousands of leaflets were distributed and there was alot
of support given by locals. They were being watched by undercover
police thru out the weekend.
Three of Simon's friends will travel to thessaloniki tommorrow for a
week to speak with the legal team and some radio media as well as
participate in the public debate in Thessaloniki with the CNT,
solidarity group, anti-authoritarian movement and professors from the
university.
A demonstration will happen on November 7th in support of the prisoners and another in Athens on November 8th.
We will keep you posted on any developments
OUR PASSION FOR FREEDOM IS STRONGER THAN YOUR PRISONS!
<A>
Free simon graff
09.11.2003 14:03
in hackney
free the thessaloniki 7!
enrager
London, 08/11/03: Thessaloniki Prisoners Support demo video
09.11.2003 22:08
Short
video of yesterday's demo in London to support the 7 prisoners in
Thessaloniki, plus some stills from Athens (same day) and Thessaloniki
(the night before).
Requires divx codec: www.divx.com
http://www.italy.indymedia.org/materiali/salonicco/081103.avi
cpnk
thessalonikiprisoners [at] yahoo.co.uk
Homepage: thessalonikiprisoners [at] yahoo.co.uk
What is the British government doing???
10.11.2003 22:16
Haven't
seen anything about what, if anything, the British government or the
consulate in Greece is doing about Simon. For example, is he on legal
aid?
Anybody know anything?
Josh
WATERSTRIKE DEMANDS MET!
11.11.2003 09:54
Latest
news is that the five hungerstrikers have started drinking water again,
as the Greek authorities have backed down and allowed access to
lawyers, phone, books and toilet privacy. A small victory, and it's
clear they really dont want murder on their hands. Pickets today STILL
ON! 11.30 & 5pm outside Greek Embassy, 1A Holland Park, Holland
Park tube.
pescao
solidarity protest in dublin today
14.11.2003 18:05
small enough protest outside the greek embassy today, follow the link for more details, should be some photos up there soon.
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=62174
padraic
Homepage:
comment reposted here from newswire
16.11.2003 19:12
hdkwnf, 16.11.2003 17:37
....
........like me, some people have doubts.
I examined the high-quality footage on the "black bag" etc.
It did not seem as certain that Simon was framed as the writer was asserting.
Amongst other things, his original bag seemed to be bi-colour, part blue part black.
I tried hard to believe, but what I saw, on really close
inspection, left me with the conclusion that only a fair and careful
trial could determine whether he was or was not carrying molotov
cocktails and other weapons, etc.
The video alone, if viewed with a completely open mind, certainly
is not conclusive that he was framed, though of course, if that is what
you are determined to see in it, you can.
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It's not about guilt or innocence
16.11.2003 18:31
We should be supporting the Thessaloniki prisoners regardless of
whether they "did it" or not! It's basic solidarity with people
fighting the same struggle for a better world. Sure, if they can get
out of prison by showing that they were framed, that would be
fantastic. But our support shouldn't rest on the state's definitions of
"guilt" and "innocence".
Pok
-
to the sceptic...
20.11.2003 00:18
Agree
with the above poster, it wouldn't matter if the prisoners were guilty
or not - but I was in thessaloniki and I know for a fact that he was
innocent anyway. If you were wondering.
George's Bush
Guess this pisses on David Blaine's chips!
21.11.2003 18:17
What is Britain doing about this?
What
is the British Government doing about this or are they too busy making
arrangements for George Bush. Can't he set up his own colouring-in
equiptment?
At least somebody is talking about this!!! Has anybody seen
anything more than a small report on the TV news about this subject?
This is yet another case of lack of coverage by the worlds media on
things that really matter, I mean let's get our priorities right!
reno187uk
Fight the power smash the plate
22.11.2003 18:33
These
brave frontline activists are in a desperate situation and needing our
urgent support. This is a playful attempt to get some attention on
what's a life threatening matter. Come join in the plates piece,in your
own unique way. We need some smashing responses.....ooh er bad
joke.sorry
------------------------
http://www.freesimonchapman.org
http://www.mydadsstripclub.com/more.htm
ange
Is this in the Olympic Tradition?
23.11.2003 10:42
How will they be remembered?
DarkerCloud
bail denied!!
24.11.2003 15:26
Just recieved a text from the support group. Here's what it said:
URGENT. GREEK PRISONERS BAIL DENIED. EMERGENCY DEMO TODAY 4 TIL 7 GREEK EMBASSY 1A HOLLAND PARK. PASS IT ON.
So I am. This is totally sickening. Please do anything ya can.
SEE YA THERE!
dissident84
A photo from the prisoners when they learned their release
27.11.2003 13:16
A photo from the cartel showing the 3 of the prisoners saluting with their fist.
We have won this battle, we continue the struggle!!
Our passion from freedom is stronger than your prisons!
Thank you all for your solidarity,meet you at the streets...
from athens
time to be realistic for a change
01.12.2003 17:22
When
oh when are you people going to get it? These “activists” went to
Thessaloniki to cause trouble, and did not try to get away when it
started, so in my book that makes them guilty of travelling to foreign
state without and authority from their country to deliberately cause
disruption, and then they expect the UK government (who they spend most
of their time sponging from and criticising) are supposed to jump to
their defence, when at last a country with some backbone
(uncharacteristically for the Greeks) decides to treat them like the
rent a mob criminals which they are.
I was very disappointed when the Greeks caved in, as they have done
so well so far and before you even try to mention it is “because of
public pressure”, the vast majority of the public in the countries you
have mounted your protests in have never heard of the “hunger
strikers”, and even if they did would be behind the Greeks in their
treatment of these toy terrorists.
I was happy to see the Greek police didn’t mess around with the
“activists” and treated them in a manner commensurate with their
intentions, i.e. met anarchist violence with their own, more organised,
disciplined violence, the only language that people who would travel
from all over Europe to riot obviously understand, and it will make
them think twice about causing grief in Greece again.
Lets look at the evidence:
1- Why was Simon Chapman on Thessaloniki?
He was there as part of an anti establishment group drawn from tiny irrelevant groups throughout Europe.
2- When the rioting started, did he make himself scarce?
No, he was obviously close enough to Greek police lines to be
arrested, even after he had already been injured (in all likelihood
after attacking the Greek security forces).
3- Why would the Greeks plant evidence on him?
They wouldn’t, and unless he was causing trouble, the simple fact
is that the police, who were quite understandably irritated by
foreigners coming to their beautiful island to wreck it, would not even
have noticed him
4- Does he have gainful employment to come back to?
No, he is one of those strange beasts called “full time activists”,
who really have nothing better to do other than cause problem for
people who DO have better things to do
5- Did police beat him?
Probably, not known for their restraint, the Greek police probably
filled him in, and who could blame them? Someone is caught in their
country who has EXPRESSLY come there to create public disorder and
disruption, as far as I’m concerned the minute he stepped on that plane
to go to Greece, he lost any of what activists refer to as “his human
rights”, which is OK since he has ignored the human rights of the Greek
people who had to live in the area him and his “activist” chums were
looking to lay waste too.
Its always the same with activists, they are only happy when
everything is going their own way, and the yare allowed to burn and
destroy to their hearts content, but cry foul if the security forces in
whatever country they are causing their chaos in go in and forceably
stop them from causing harm.
You have to realise that the general public view you are a shower
of thugs, hell bent on destruction and mayhem, not as political
activists, and I must admit that I agree with that view.
How about getting a job and perhaps doing something productive with
your lives, instead of trying to carry out pathetic, ineffectual
protests which no one is really interested in.
Robert kennedy
