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Hungerstrike over and prisoners released!
Just half an hour ago, at 4.00 p.m. 26/11/03 Greek time, the Council of Deliquencies of Thessaloniki (i hope the translation means something :)) ruled that the Thessaloniki 7 are to be set free!! Without any bail, but with the following terms:
1. That the 4 non-greeks are not to leave Greece until the trial.
2. That the 3 Greeks should not leave Greece until the trial and should present themselves to a police station twice a month (or something like that).
Earlier in the day, a public prosecutor had ordered compulsory feeding for the 5 hunger strikers. That move quickly turned against the state's side, as people were outraged by that move, that reminds of totalitarian regimes. The media started putting pressure on the government, and even members of the governing PASOK party came out to demand the release of the 7. And it was true that last week the solidarity movement in Greece had put great pressure to the government, with lots of occupying buildings, demonstrations, actions and informing the public.
Today also saw the release of a new photo that proves the innocense of Simon Chapman.
http://athens.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=162765
This is a victory of the struggle for dignity and freedom by the 5 hunger strikers, of the other 2 prisoners, but as well for 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.
We are so happy for that! The passion for freedom was finally stronger than their prisons!!
(from Athens Indymedia)
But the struggle still continues!! We have to keep up the pressure and continue the campaign to clear these people of their ridiculous charges. In the mean time it's beers all round!!
PRISONERS NOW ON HUNGER STRIKE
Hunger Strikers:
Suleiman "Castro" Dakduk from September 21st
Carlos Martinez, Fernando Perez & Simon Chapman from October 5th
Spiros Tsistas from October 8th
The Hunger Stike Continues......
CALL FOR LOCAL ACTION ON "OTHER STUFF"
DROP THE CHARGES AND SET THEM FREE!!
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Despite the blatant violence and corruption of the Police, the demonstrators terror didn't end on the streets of Thessaloniki. On arrival at the holding centre, the prisoners were beaten up again: kicked, punched, hair pulled, threats of further violence. Simon also had his glasses smashed by police, leaving him virtually unable to see. He was left without glasses for nearly a week until his friends, who have remained in Greece, were finally able to get replacements as well as clean clothes and other items brought to him.
Simon and seven other activists from across Europe, America and Syria ( who all have similar stories to tell ) were refused bail and are facing 3 charges of: Riot, Resisting authority and Posession of explosives. They have now been removed to a maximum security and Simon has had his head shaved.
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SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The 8 prisoners have an appeal against their bail being refused early next week. If the appeal is lost they face 3 months further incarceration until they have the first opportunity to appeal against these ridiculous charges!
Should THIS appeal be refused then all 8 will face the horrifying prospect of between 12-18 months in prison BEFORE their cases come to trial. They will all be tried togethor.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are many ways we can support Simon and show our solidarity with all 8 prisoners.
Write to Simon
Letters of support can make all the difference to keep up his spirits as he waits for a decision from the panel of judges. knowing that others are out there thinking about you is vital to remaining strong while inside. Advice on letter writing is available by emailing us at the address at the bottom. Also contact us if you would like details of sending gifts to the prisoners.
Write letters to :
Kratoumeno SIMON CHAPMAN
Dikastikes Fylakes Diavaton
T.K. 540 12
Thessaloniki-GREECE
Write or email letters of protest to the Greek Ambassador to the UK
Greek Ambassador to the UK
Embassy of Greece
1a Holland Park
London, W11 3TP
Tel. 020 7229 3850 Fax. 020 7229 7221
Take Action
It is vital that we continue the actions of international solidarity that have started in other European cities. There will be an International day of action in support of the prisoners on July 10. We need to mobilise ourselves and continue to take action in our demand that all charges against the prisoners are dropped and they are immediately released.
Donations
ABC are coordinating financial donations from the UK. You can send cheques payable to "ABC" to: BM Automatic, London, WC1N 3XX, UK. To recieve regular email updates and for info on the forthcoming solidarity actions in the UK email: thessalonikiprisoners@yahoo.co.uk
THEY'RE INSIDE FOR US WE'RE OUTSIDE FOR THEM!!
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