The hunger strike at day 21
This is a translation of this blog post in German. Picture Credit: Stroux
Today is day 21 of the hunger strike. This is a report about the last
days. Most of the hunger striking migrants arrived from Crete on a
ferry 22 days ago, in order to start the hunger strike. There were huge
banners on the ferry, announcing the aims and demands of the hunger
strike.
Solidarity groups welcomed the migrants at the port of Piraeus, and
then, they altogether moved to an empty building of the university in
the centre of Athens. A university building was picked because police is
not allowed to enter the university (university asylum) since the end
of the military junta, when soldiers entered the polytechnic university
by force.
Just as the hunger strike had started, political parties and main stream
media started a agitating against the strike. The government sued the
owner of the ferry, its agents and the captain for the smuggling of
illegalised people (“trafficking”). This is a big joke, since ANEK-lines
has been doing deportations for the greek government for years. A few
days later already, 1.800 persons had denounced themselves publically
for having supported refugees as an act of solidarity.
The agitation led to the hunger strikers having to leave the university
building after a few days, as the police threatened to enter by force.
We had a gun to our head
,
one of the activists later stated on a press conference. The very
night, a substitute place for more than 100 hunger strikers had to be
found. After several hours of negotiations with the paolce and with the
owner of a nearby, empty villa, a solidarity demonstration brought the
hunger strikers to the new place. Since only the first floor and the
cellar can be used, the majority of the hunger strikers have to camp in
the yard. Heavy rain turned the situation precarious, only on the 5th of
February, a change of weather alleviated the situation.
The hunger strikes are being supported, protected and accompanied day
and night by solidarity groups. Since the hunger strikers are very
adamant about retaining their autonomy, decisions are made in different
assemblies, which nevertheless have exchange. The atmosphere is
characterised by determination and respect. Many people support the
strikers by visiting or practical aid.
On the 8th of February, a lot of migrant organisations from Athens and
Greece declared their solidarity with the hunger strikers and their
demands in a press conference. The hunger strikers announced that very
day that they would now also stop to drink tea.
On the 9th of February, a long live concert with many greek musicians
took place on the adjacent square. There were songs, but also speeches
by the migrants and statements of solidarity.
On the 11th and 12th of February, two big demonstrations took place in Athens, where 1.500 people participated.
Since more then 80 days afghan political refugees are also in strike and since 40 days 8 young refugees are in hunger strike and sewied nouth incloude one one woman befor two weeks
they are demanding political asylum .and their strike wl keep on tell the resault come out from the Greek government this is what the decide . Death or Victory.
By.afghan political refugees hunger strikers
