Report from Protest Today at the Greek Embassy

international | anti-capitalism | news report

Friday November 14, 2003 15:39

by Dermo - WSM

comrade at imapunk dot com

Big Black Coffin laying on the steps of Greek house

A group of about 12 people gathered at a rain swept corner of Fitzwilliam Square. We were a little late when the big black coffin finally arrived bearing the names of the five people on hunger strike in Greece. Initially the idea of a coffin was thought to be a little morbid by some, but it was agreed, that unfortunately death is more of an inevitability if the Greek state continue their deliberate persecution of these individuals.

(Pictures to Follow)

REPORT from Demonstration outside Greek Embassy (14th November Friday)

A group of about 12 people gathered at a rain swept corner of Fitzwilliam Square. We were a little late when the big black coffin finally arrived bearing the names of the five people on hunger strike in Greece. Initially the idea of a coffin was thought to be a little morbid by some, but it was agreed, that unfortunately death is more of an inevitability if the Greek state continue their deliberate persecution of these individuals.

We marched around the Square and up towards the Embassy which had a big blue and white national flag proudly flying outside it. On both sides of the coffin that was being carried by 6 smartly dressed young activists, we flanked this with black flags. Our arrival at the embassy obviously took the diplomatic staff inside by surprise. One guy rushed towards the door after spotting us though the window and opened the door up to inform us that this was an embassy.

“We know mate” we said as we slid the large black coffin onto the top step and in front of the door. We then posted in a press release and a speech was made from the top step about the reason behind this action. All the pedestrians were leafleted. Meanwhile, inside the embassy frantic phone calls were made to the forces of law and order. They wanted our cops to lift the
siege they were under. Nobody from the Embassy came out to talk to the protesters.

A red and black banner was unfurled which read no to State Terror. Some drivers going past honked their horns in support. Needless to say nobody from the state media showed up. By now there were over twenty of us and all the neighboring buildings were leafleted about this protest. From time to time the embassy staff looked out at us bemused. Apparently they were also spotted photographing the protesters from the windows.

Finally, members of the Gardai showed up. Previously, a one cop car had driven past, with the boys in blue desperately avoiding eye contact with the demonstrators, obviously more interested in lunch than dealing with this protest.

They asked people to remove the coffin. They were told that it wasn’t our property. Indeed, it really belongs to the Greek state. They went in to discuss the situation with the staff in the embassy. When the staff emerged there were a few slogans chanted at them and we let them understand why we were there.

Finally we left this scene after about an hour outside the embassy. I think the guards we’re dealing with the issue of the black box / coffin left on the steps.

Although I think we are well beyond the stage of writing letters……

Letter’s of Protest to

Ambassador Pispinis Ahileas-Vasilious
Greek Embassy, 1 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. Phone: 01-676 7254 Fax: 01-661 8892

Irish Supporters of the Thessallonki Seven

contact : aps@anarchistps.org
www.anarchistps.org
www.anarchomedia.org

Contact no: 086 1770439

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Comments (4 of 4)

For the puzzeled

by Joe

Fri Nov 14, 2003 15:56

This was a solidarity protest with the Thessaloniki 7, see the link below for details

Congrats and Thank you

by @ps

Fri Nov 14, 2003 18:25

Congratulations an Thank you to everyone who turned out - even on this cold & wet day

flags

by cabhog

"We marched around the Square and up towards the Embassy which had a big blue and white national flag proudly flying outside it" -
Jesus, the Greek embassy has a Greek flag, maybe the Yanks have one as well - Those damn imperialist with their proud flags, ohh damn em.

12 people - nice to see the workers revolting on this as well.

young people.

by ipsi

Mon Nov 17, 2003 16:08

a year ago today, the world was asked by anarchist groups in Greece to pay attention to the deterioration of democratic rights of freedom to assembly and expression.
they were asked :"

We ask you to read this article patiently. Some of it may be completely new for someone who has not followed Greek history over the last 30 years or so. If you understand the seriousness of, the dangers inherent in, the events described here - events, which are epitomised by the arrest of Yannis Serifis - we ask you to take action! However small it might be, it will surely help us…

What action exactly is for you to decide. We ask that you sign the petition in solidarity with Yannis Serifis and against the the Greek terror-law. Please contact us if you are interested in a co-ordinated action. But whatever size and kind of action you decide to take, one thing is certain. It is time to take a stand and say clearly: “NO MORE!” - “YA BASTA” - “FTANI PIA” - No more injustice, no more slavery, no more bloodshed!

And even if today we fall without compromising, we can be sure of victory tomorrow…. In the coming struggle what we really need is solidarity! "

that was in relation to an older man. Y Serifis.
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=18147

now it is young people:
1) Simon Chapman, British, born in 1973, theologian

2) Carlos Martin-Martinez, Spanish, born in 1978

3) Fernando Perrez-Goraiz, Spanish, born in 1981

4) Solaiman Dakdouk, Syrian living in Greece, born in 1969, painter

5) Spyros Tsitsas, Greek, born in 1980

self declared anarchists.

Will their details read "died" 2003?

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Report from Protest Today at the Greek Embassy

Comments (4 of 4)