Thessaloniki Prisoner Support
IMC-UK (gdm, maqui, ionnek & others) | 02.12.2003 19:00 | Saloniki Prisoner Support | Thessaloniki EU | Repression
"Our Passion For Freedom Is Stronger Than Your Prisons"
BREAKING NEWS! - 13 Feb. 04: Legal Team: Simon Chapman has been acquitted and the charges against another 12 protestors have been dropped! [Reports on IMC-UK 1 | 2 | feature] [Report in Infoshop News] [Report in IMC-Athens] [Report in IMC-Nice(fr)]
Update - 12 Feb. 04: Simon has written a letter to update on events in Greece.
Update - 1 Jan. 04: Simon Chapman is allowed to return to the UK for 2 weeks to attend his fathers' funeral (See the corporate media reports section).
Update - 17 Dec. 03: Latest report from Athens states the investigation against the allegations of planting [of molotov cocktails] against Simon Chapman has been closed as the evidence was "made up"!
Update 12 Dec. 03: The most recent news, however, is that the police are still trying to produce evidence linking Simon Chapman to the molotov cocktails.
On November 26th, the "Thessaloniki 7" won a five months struggle against the Greek prison system and various Greek authorities. Souleiman "Kastro" Dakduk from Syria, Simon Chapman from the UK, Fernando Perez Gorraiz and Carlos Martin Martinez from Spain and Spyros Tsitsas from Greece were on hungerstrike between 49 and 66 days in protest against the conditions of their arrest and imprisonment. Michalis Traikapis and Dimitris Friouras were also incarcerated in another, juvenile prison. The determination and dignity of their struggle for justice finally proved to be stronger than the Greek anti-terrorist legislation that framed, imprisoned and almost killed them. Their dedication and passion for freedom spoke louder than the judges, police chiefs and Greek ministers that hoped they would be forgotten. They weren't, and people in many parts of the world showed solidarity to their defiance whilst making clear that "They are inside for us, we are outside for them."
The seven were amongst 29 protesters arrested during the protests against the EU summit in Thessaloniki. While the others have been released, the seven were held on remand on charges of rioting, possession of explosives and resisting authorities. All 7 say that these charges are false. In Simon Chapman's case, video and photographic evidence confirm that he was framed.
Reports | Letters | Evidence | Support | Solidarity Actions | Mainstream Media Reports | Links | Banners
"The Hungerstrikers's Determination Finally Forces Their Release"
The judges repeatedly refused to look at this evidence for months, and several appeals for release on bail were refused. It was the turn of the Greek state to use their 'anti-terrorist’ legislation against political prisoners, and it soon became obvious that the 'Saloniki 7' were going to be kept in prison unlawfully. This situation should be understood within the framework of 'security' and 'anti-terrorist' measures introduced by the Greek government in preparation for the Olympic games - due to take place in Greece next summer. It was in this context that the 'Saloniki 7' found themselves on the receiving end of the current - and seemingly permanent - so-called "Global War on Terror".
The attitude of the judicial authorities in this case has consistently been that of regarding the accused as already guilty, hence grossly violating the principle of "assumed innocence". Therefore, on September 21st, Kastro went on hungerstrike, demanding immediate release on bail. Although the artist has been living in Greece for 18 years, he has no papers to stay and could be transferred to a detention centre for deportation to Syria, where he faces life imprisonment because of political activity.
The other four joined the hungerstrike on October 5th, and 8th. By the end of the month, their physical condition started to deteriorate. At the same time, the Greek authorities (legal, prison, medical, government) not only refused to listen to the strikers' demands but, moreover, started to move the hungerstrikers around to various hospitals and back to prison, often without informing the prisoners’ own medical and legal support teams. Needless to say, this caused a great deal of distress and confusion to the prisoners and to their supporters, whilst further endangering the physical condition of the hungerstrikers.
At this point it seemed that the Greek authorities had abandoned any pretension to show the world its 'democratic' and 'human' face. They had their very own 'terrorists' behind bars, why should they listen to any of the demands of these 'evil' and 'dangerous' men? Meanwhile, international support for the Thessaloniki 7 swept across Europe and beyond. Since October, IMC UK has listed more than 70 solidarity actions from Athens, Paris and Barcelona to Colchester and Turkey, including 20 actions in smaller Greek places. Greek embassies, consulates, travel agents and cultural events were visited, banners unfurled, demos held, petitions signed, universities and media outlets occupied.
In November, the medical condition of the hungerstrikers became increasingly critical. The authorities’ practice of moving them around didn't help. More appeals for release on medical grounds were refused, although backed up by extensive and alarming medical reports. Only after a 2 day thirst strike, the hungerstrikers were allowed to make phone calls, see their lawyers and go to the toilet privately.
On Nov 21, the prosecutor in Greece's Supreme Court ordered an investigation into the circumstances of Simon's arrest to decide whether to accept their demand for bail. This was subsequently turned down by the prosecutor, leaving the final decision with the Thessaloniki Magistrate's Council. The showing on television of the original footage which shows the charges to be groundless has increased the pressure on Greek authorities to allow the hunger strikers bail.
IMC-UK Corporate Media Archive | IMC-Thessaloniki
At this point, the corporate media started to take notice, as did Members of the European Parliament and Amnesty International. Mainstream media could now also draw on a number of medical statements from the hungerstrikers' physicians. On Sunday, 23rd Nov, three specialists examined Carlos Martin, Fernado Perez and Spiros Tsitsas in the General Public Hospital of Nikaia and had a hard time finding someone in charge. They 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." [doctor's statement]
Finally, on November 26th, a dramatic climax: the Athens district attorney issued a statement that the 5 hunger strikers would be force-fed and doctors who refused to comply with this order would be "charged with homicide" [Reuters | IMC UK]. The situation was now getting trully critical; the brutal and extreme authoritarian attitudes of the Greek administration toward these political prisoners was reaching unprecedented levels. The real face of Greece's democracy was proving to be uglier than many expected. Supporters and solidarity campaigns were already calling for protests in case any of the hungertstrikers' "fell into a coma or died". But, later that afternoon, after more demos and a lot of media attention in Greece, the indymedia irc channels became crowded with the unexpected news that a special Council had ruled that the Thessaloniki 7 were to be set free, but not allowed to leave the country until their trial takes place. The five hunger strikers will need to spend about 10 days in hospital. We are hoping that they will recover as much as possible, as it is known of other hungerstrikers having suffered permanent physical damage, like digestive tract problems, muscle wastage, brittle bones and weakened hearts.
Despite this tremendous news, it should be remembered that the trial may still be postponed for up to another year and the charges have not been dropped. The 'Thessaloniki 7' struggle continues until justice is done, but hospital and lawyers fees have still to be paid, court cases prepared, and friends to be supported, not only in Greece, but also in Miami and anywhere else where governments' apology of the "Global War on Terrorism" is used to criminalise and repress legitimate dissent. It is still unclear what the final outcome of the ‘Saloniki 7 trial will be but, as Indymedia Athens states, what Souleiman, Simon, Fernando, Carlos, Spyros, Michalis and Dimitris have already achieved 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."
Hungerstrikers Latest News | Reports | Letters | Evidence | Support | Solidarity Actions | Mainstream Media Reports | Links | Banners
[Francais | Deutsch: At Ch De]
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "introduction" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Hungerstrikers Latest News
The hungerstrikers went without food for between 49 and 66 days. Kastro was the first to start, on 21st September, in protest against the refusal of bail and the likelihood that he would be deported when he was released (he faces life imprisonment - or worse - at home in Syria). He was joined by Simon Chapman, Spiros Tsatsis and Carlos Martin Martinez on the 5th October, and Fernando Perez Gorraiz a few days after that.
During part of the strike, the prisoners refused even to drink water when the authorities did not allow them access to their lawyers. Later on in the strike, the two juvenile prisoners - Michalis Traikapis and Dimitris Friouras - joined in for a weeks solidarity fast. There were also solidarity fasts around the world.
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Hungerstrikers Latest News" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Reports
- On 13 February 2004 Simon Chapman was suddenly aquitted by a court order from Thessaloniki. Another 12 Saloniki prisoners also had their charges dropped. Reports appeared immediately in alternative media:
- 13 Feb 04: IMC-Atehns reports "Great news! All charges dropped for Simon Chapman and another 12 protestors!"
- 13 Feb 04: IMC-UK report and first reactions.
- 13 Feb 04: IMC-Nice report (fr)
- 13 Feb 04: Report in Infoshop News.
- On 25th November, the Greek authorities finally released the Thessaloniki 7 on remand:
- 26 Nov 03: Press Release TPSG - 2 Hungerstrikers moved to hospital in critical condition
- 25 Nov 03 New photo by Reuters photographer Yannis Behrakis clearly proves that Simon has been framed by the greek police!
- 25 Nov 03 Amnesty International Press Release calls for independent investigation into ill-treatment of demonstrators
- 24 Nov 03: The hunger-strikers' doctors issue a public call due to Simon and Kastros "extremely dangerous" condition
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Reports" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Letters
- Souleiman "Kastro" Dakduk (Syrian):
Website | Paintings
27 June 03 : First letter [ pdf ]
6 July 03 : Second letter [ pdf ]
21 Sept. 03 : Letter about Hunger Strike [ English / Greek ] - Carlos Martin Martinez (Spanish):
10 July 03 : First letter [ pdf ]
22 Sept. 03 : Letter about Hunger Strike [ Gr/En ] - Simon Chapman (UK):
11 Jul. 03: Letter from prison [ pdf ]
12 Feb. 04: Update from Greece - Jonathon 'Slug' Crowell (USA):
Deportation of an American after Salonika 2003 [ English ]
Evidence
There is convincing evidence which clearly demonstrates police brutality and the planting of evidence on Simon Chapman. This includes photos and TV footage from the Greek national news channel ET3. On 25 Nov 03, a photo by Reuters photographer Yannis Behrakis was publicised. The TV footage has been compiled into a video, which can be downloaded in different versions:
- high resolution, 38.7 MB MPEG file [Cross-platform].
- high resolution file, 30.1 MB avi file. [PC format - WinMedia player. On a Mac, get DivX ]
- high resolution, 29.3 MB Quicktime file [Mac format. On a PC, get Quicktime].
- mid resolution, 10.7 MB Quicktime file [Mac format. On a PC, get Quicktime].
- low resolution, 3.8 MB Quicktime file [Mac format. On a PC, get Quicktime].
- lowest resolution, 1.6 MB Quicktime file [Mac format. On a PC, get Quicktime].<</li>
All seven of the prisoners who were imprisoned have been charged together with the same offences - even though they were arrested at different times in different places and had never before met!
More discussion and relevant links, as well as screen shots from the video, can be found on the original - and expanded - evidence page.
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Evidence" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Support
Despite the fact that the prisoners have now been freed, there is an ongoing need for money for Simon and the others. They need to save money in case they are offered a financial bail (as at present the non-Greeks are not allowed to leave the country) and there are still legal fees to be paid. Cheques should be made payable to "ABC" and sent to:
ABC,
BM Automatic,
London WC1N 3XX
Alternatively, get involved in the Thessaloniki Prisoner Support Group: contact ThessalonikiPrisoners [AT] yahoo.co.uk to join the email group.
You can also still send letters of protest to the Greek Ambassador in the UK protesting the treatment of the prisoners whilst they were inside and the fact that the charges still stand:
Greek Ambassador to the UK
Embassy of Greece
1A Holland Park
London, W11 3TP
Email:
political@greekembassy.org.uk
commercial@greekembassy.org.uk
pressoffice@greekembassy.org.uk
Or phone and fax:
Tel: 020 7229 3850
Fax: 020 7229 7221
Another way that you can support the Thessaloniki Prisoners is to have a banner on your website, linking back to the IMC-UK Thessaloniki Solidarity pages.
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Support" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Solidarity Actions
The full list of Solidarity Actions details events that happened around the world in solidarity with the Thessaloniki Prisoners. Some of these were particularly striking, like the hunger strike in Dublin whose end resonated in time with the hunger strikers in Thessaloniki, and the 5th October (London) protest that coincided with the start of three of the hunger strikers - and kickstarted the UK corporate media coverage.
However, solidarity actions are still required as the 7 have not yet got their complete freedom. In Spain, protesters held a bridge protest in order to highlight their demands for the non-Greeks to be allowed back to their original countries.
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Solidarity Actions" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Corporate Media reports
14 Feb 04 - The Guardian: Protester released after eight months in Greek jail.
13 Feb 04 - BBC News World Edition: Greece frees 'framed' protester.
13 Feb 04 - News Scotsman: Anti-Capitalism Briton Released in Greece.
13 Feb 04 - EU Business: Greece releases British national held after EU summit.
13 Feb 04 - Ananova: Anti-capitalism Briton released in Greece.
1 Jan. 04 - Greece protester home for funeral
1 Jan. 04 - EU Business: Greece allows British protester to attend father's funeral
1 Jan. 04 - Guardian: British protester to fly home for funeral
17 Dec. 03 - Kathimerini: [scroll down through column until you get to: "No foul play?"]
9 Dec. 03 - BBC: Indecent assault charge dropped
1 Dec. 03 - Ananova: Police accused of planting petrol bombs on Briton
1 Dec. 03 - Scotsman: Greece Probes Whether Petrol Bombs Were Planted on Briton
1 Dec. 03 - This Is London: Woman in court for 'groping Pc's bottom'
1 Dec. 03 - Sun: Bum rap over sex charge
1 Dec. 03 - Scotsman: Woman Accused of Indecently Assaulting Policeman
28 Nov. 03 - Five men, freed...
27 Nov. 03 - Telegraph: British hunger striker to be freed
27 Nov. 03 - Kathimerini: Thessaloniki 7 released
27 Nov. 03 - Guardian: Athens judges free hunger-strike Briton
27 Nov. 03 - Telegraph: Hunger striker to be freed
26 Nov. 03 - Herald: Family fears for life of hunger striker
26 Nov 03 - BBC (Simon Chapman will be allowed to leave the prison hospital when he is well enough, a Greek court announced)
26 Nov 03 - Reuters (Greece to free hungerstrikers)
26 Nov 03 - Reuters (Greeks Authorise Force feeding of Hunger Strikers)
The full Corporate Media Archive contains reports up to the 25th Nov. 03 from media sources around the world.
Note: the original text from this page has been updated (30 Nov. O3). The original "Corporate Media reports" section has been preserved, along with all the other sections. See relevant text for links.
Links
- International Solidarity Sites:
- Thessaloniki Prisoner Support Group
- Brighton ABC
- Simon Chapman support site
- IMC-Thessaloniki [ English ]
- IMC-Athens [ English ]
- Irish Solidarity sites:
- Anarchist Prison Support
- AnarchoMedia
- Spanish Solidarity sites:
- Nodo50
- CNT Aranjuez
IMC-UK (gdm, maqui, ionnek & others)
Comments
Hide the following 10 comments
Free the Salonica 2003 prisoners
26.10.2003 23:23
MoonChild
solidarity action in Barcelona
04.11.2003 11:16
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/newswire/display/58399/index.php
Two people Oriol and Marianne were arrested for "obstructing a Metro".
The soldarity action was supported by the same slogan posters as in the illustration above and was reported via the Spanish News Agency in mainstream national press and TV, Radio channels.
Lots of people (formerly working class as much as formerly middle class) arrived late to work, and many more took advantage of what is often deemed "chaos" to _not go to work_ which the first day after the Haloween Weekend could have been quite welcome.
You can do this in your city if you have a Metro, though it might be called an underground.
no matter same thing.
-
Simon Chapman/Thessoloniki 7 Benefit Social evening 14th November 2003
08.11.2003 12:10
Directions to this venue overground trains via Highbury and Islington to Hackney Wick/Bus routes 26, 30, 236, 388, N26, N236 and S2.
For those who haven't been b4 you should get along for a great nights entertainment..
Hope to see you all there on the night....
Best wishes from The Executioner........
OUR PASSION FOR FREEDOM IS STRONGER THAN YOUR PRISONS!! FREE THE THESSOLONIKI 7
The Executioner
e-mail: Notorious.Heckler@btopenworld.com
photos from Thessaloniki's demonstration - Friday 7th November
08.11.2003 18:24
http://www.thessaloniki.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=15295
TIK
MALTA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN WITH SALONIKI 7
14.11.2003 23:23
SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN WITH SALONIKI 7
c/o Dripht - dripht@di-ve.com
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, in solidarity with the
'Saloniki 7', namely Simon Chapman (English), Fernando Perez Gorraiz
(Spanish), Carlos Martin Martinez (Spanish), Souleiman "Castro" Dakduk
(Syrian), Spyros Tsitsas (Greek) and two Greek juveniles who were arrested
on false charges following demonstrations at the EU Summit in
Thessaloniki.
Five of the Saloniki 7, have been on hunger strike for between 38 and 55
days in protest against their imprisonment, and their health situation is
in a precarious situation. Solidarity campaigns and actions are taking
place all over the world.
The signatories are appealing that bail is granted to all seven, and that
one of the prisoners, Suleiman Dakduk - a Syrian who has been living in
exile in Crete for 18 years, and who is now threatened with deportation
back to Syria where he faces torture and imprisonment for trade union
activity - be allowed to remain in Greece.
The signatories comprise the following rock bands, political, cultural
and social organizations, promoters, publishers, artists and music
critics: Dripht, Norm Rejection, The I Skandal, Subculture, Spirit of
’77, Cyberia, Forsaken, Elite Cookie Mode, Totema, Lumiere, Unlead-It,
Minima Publishers, No Sweat Promotions, Reciprocal Records, Eric Montfort
(Music Critic), Psychocandy Inc., Mel Schembri (Music Critic), Mauro
Calleja (Music Critic, DJ, Producer), Kopri Koperattiva Ltd, Knight
Music/Wilfrid Buttigieg, The Arts Collective, Erato Foundation, Animal
Rights Malta.com, Justice For Mark Barnsley, Campaign Against Prison
Slavery, The Guild, Moviment Graffitti, Inizjamed, Koperattiva Kummerc
Gust, Grupp ghat-Tielet Dinja, Zminijietna, Alternattiva Demokratika
Zghazagh - Green Youth, Foundation of St. Francis for the Animals,
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party. In the meantime, Particle
Blue, another band, has also expressed its support.
A copy of the letter to the Ambassador is attached below this Press Release.
--
D-R-I-P-H-T
Nicky Morales - Vocals, Guitar
Patrick - Guitar
Mike Briguglio - Drums
Il-Fre - Bass
www.dripht.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN WITH SALONIKI 7
c/o Dripht - dripht@di-ve.com
His Excellency Mr.Costantin Yrocostopoulos
Greek Ambassador in Malta
48 Zachary Street
Valletta
14th November 2003
Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned, are appealing for justice for Simon Chapman
(English), Fernando Perez Gorraiz (Spanish), Carlos Martin Martinez
(Spanish), Souleiman "Castro" Dakduk (Syrian), Spyros Tsitsas (Greek) and
two Greek juveniles, known as the Saloniki 7, who were arrested following
demonstrations during the EU Summit in Thessaloniki.
We are very much concerned about the prisoners who are on hunger strike
in protest against the circumstances of their arrests and imprisonment.
The health of the hunger strikers is rapidly deteriorating.
We appeal that bail is granted to all seven, and that one of the
prisoners, Suleiman "Castro" Dakduk - a Syrian who has been living in
exile in Crete for 18 years, and who is now threatened with deportation
back to Syria where he faces torture and imprisonment for trade union
activity - be allowed to remain in Greece.
We join the international solidarity campaign with the Saloniki 7 and
call for immediate justice.
Signatories:
Rock Bands
1 Dripht
2 Norm Rejection
3 The I Skandal
4 Subculture
5 Spirit of ‘77
6 Cyberia
7 Forsaken
8 Elite Cookie Mode
9 Totema
10 Lumiere
11 Unlead-It
Promoters, Publishers, Critics
12 Minima Publishers
13 No Sweat Promotions
14 Reciprocal Records
15 Eric Montfort (Music Critic)
16 Psychocandy Inc.
17 Mel Schembri (Music Critic)
18 Mauro Calleja (Music Critic, DJ, Producer)
19 Kopri Koperattiva Ltd
20 Knight Music/Wilfrid Buttigieg
NGOs
21 The Arts Collective
22 Erato Foundation
23 Animal Rights Malta.com
24 Justice For Mark Barnsley
25 Campaign Against Prison Slavery
26 The Guild
27 Moviment Graffitti
28 Inizjamed
29 Koperattiva Kummerc Gust
30 Grupp ghat-Tielet Dinja
31 Zminijietna
32 Alternattiva Demokratika Zghazagh - Green Youth
33 Foundation of St. Francis for the Animals
Political Parties
34 Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party
DRIPHT
e-mail: dripht@di-ve.vom
Homepage: http://www.dripht.com
Solidarity Action For Thessaloniki and Eco- Prisoners (Turkey)
19.11.2003 16:32
Camenisch
to see action pictures visit: http://istanbul.indymedia.org/news/2003/11/3224.php
and for more info contact Earth Lİberation Prisoner Support Network/TURKEY- elp_tr@hotmail.com
TURKEY/İstanbul(Avcilar)- On 16th of November 2003 some ELP volunteers, hang
2 banner on a bridge in the name of supporting Thessaloniki prisoners on
hunger strike and Swiss eco-prisoner Marco Camenisch…On the banners there
are written “Free Thessaloniki prisoners” and “Free Eco-Prisoner Marco
Camenisch-Destroy Prisons! ELP”…
After the action ELP volunteers stated that they’ll support and be in
solidarity with the prisoners/activists who are-were active in the defence
and liberation of earth and its residents and everyone who are interested in
the liberation of earth and its residents should support and spread the
solidarity for prisoners…We share their feelings and desires of freedom..
"Prison is a weapon used by the State to crush individuals who step out of
line" (Michael Collins - former Mayday 2000 prisoner)
Thessaloniki Prisoners
More than four months after the EU summit in Thessaloniki, 7 people remain
incarcerated within the Greek prison system. Simon Chapman (English),
Fernando Perez Gorraiz (Spanish), Carlos Martin Martinez (Spanish),
Souleiman "Kastro" Dakduk (Syrian), Spyros Tsitsas (Greek) and two Greek
juveniles are continuing to be denied justice, despite overwhelming evidence
that they have been framed and despite solidarity protests around the world.
Kastro and four others have now been on a hunger strike for over a month
WHO IS MARCO CAMENISCH?
and raised in a petit bourgeois environment in canton graubünden
(switzerland). he broke off high school at schiers, where careerist conceit
and elitist thinking prevailed. during his apprenticeship as farmer at
"plantahof" school, he opposed to current notions, that fertilizing must be
done with chemicals. marco went to alps, freeing himself, but soon he
realized, that conditions won't change, as long as you're not resisting.
in the late 70s, as a militant of the movement against nuclear power plants,
marco was involved acitvely in struggles against the local nuclear mafia. in
switzerland, as in other countries too, the movement against nuclear power
plants resorted to means of direct action: cutting down pylons, sabotage
against power stations, direct actions against protagonists of the nuclear
mafia.
in january 1980, together with others, marco was arrested, and after a year
being on remand, the court of canton in chur/graubünden pronounced a 10 year
prison sentence, for direct action against a pylon and against a power
station of NOK ("nordostschweizer kraftwerke" = "north-east swiss power
stations") at bad ragaz. an other co-defendant got 7.5 years of prison.
marco refused to cooperate with judicial authority, because he didn't
acknowledged their legitimacy. instead of this, in court he called a
statement, in which he connected the direct actions as a protest against
ecocide of the energy industry with the prospect of struggling against
capitalist social order.
in december 1981, together with 5 other prisoners, he succeded in escaping
from prison of regensdorf nearby zurich. on this occasion, a prison warder
died, one more got seriously injured. marco wasn't part of the group, which
shot. after the escape, for him, ten years of clandestine living and
strugging followed. in 1989, swiss federal police and media claimed him
responsible for the killing of a swiss border police officer at brusio.
after a shooting with carabinieri, he was arrested in november 1992 in
toscana area (italy). the italian state condemned him to 12 years of prison
in april 1993, for bodily harm and several direct actions against pylons. 9
years, he served in high security prisons under the condition of permanent
small-group solitary confinement.
in april 2002, marco was extradited to switzerland. first, he served in high
security prison of pfäffikon nearby zurich, then in prison of thorberg
nearby bern. in january 2003, after a hunger strike against the bad
conditions of imprisonment he was suffering, and several direct actions of
an international solidarity movement, they transferred him to prison of chur
and improved the conditions. only a short time ago, they re-transferred him
back to prison of pfäffikon and cancelled the improvements, above all, marco
struggled for.
in switzerland, for direct action against the NOK, there are 8 years of
prison sentence outstanding. also, there exist arrest warrants for escaping
from prison of regensdorf and for killing a border police officer. marco now
is exspecting the trial -- probably, it'll take place even this year.
after all the years in prison, marco, who calls himself an anarchist, didn't
let them change his mind about his political convinctions. instead of this,
behind bars, he stayed a political activist. by means of writing letters, he
organized a far-reaching network of political and personal relations. the
bad conditions of imprisonment he was/is subjected to in switzerland clearly
pursue an objective: at the sight of his steadfast political identity and
his refusal to cooperate with judicial authority, they want to break him
politically and personally.
friends and supporters of marco camenisch, april 2003
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hapishane Devletin çizginin dışına çıkan bireyleri ezmek için kullandığı
bir araçtır " (Michael Collins - eski 1 Mayıs 2000 mahkumu)
Bütün Hayvan & Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumlarını Destekleyin!
Özgürlüğün Ruhu (Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumları)
c/o Cornerstone Resource Centre, Leeds, LS7 3HB, England
E-Mail
Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumları Haber Gazetesi/Acil ELP! Bülteni
c/o BM Box 2407, London, WC1N 3XX, England
E-Mail
Türkiye Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumları Destek Ağı
E-Mail
Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumları Polonya
PO Box 43, 15-662 Bialystok 26, Poland
E-Mail via
Kuzey Amerika Dünya Özgürlük Mahkumları Destek Ağı
E-Mail
Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network/TURKEY
e-mail: elp_tr@hotmail.com
links to solidarity actions in Belgium
25.11.2003 10:35
occupation Greek embassy in Brussels (25/11/03)(in Dutch):
http://belgium.indymedia.org/news/2003/11/77740.php
update: http://belgium.indymedia.org/news/2003/11/77767.php
Feature in French (imc Liege):
http://liege.indymedia.org/archives/display_by_id.php?feature_id=10
Feature in Dutch (imc west-vlaanderen):
http://wvl.indymedia.org/archives/display_by_id.php?feature_id=345
joeri
e-mail: joeri@indymedia.org
Homepage: http://wvl.indymedia.org
Simon Chapman/Thessoloniki 7 Free
26.11.2003 16:13
Patrick (Notorious Heckler)
Bribery & A pro-capitalist approach = success
27.11.2003 15:56
Prototype Platesmashing Machine
Coincidence or what?
Congratulations
From all of us at .... Fight the Power - Smash the Plate
http://www.mydadsstripclub.com/hungerpicnic.htm
______________________________________
Dear Mr Ambassador,
Attached is a picture of my Prototype Platesmashing Machine, designed to automate what I‚m sure you‚ll agree is a great Greek tradition.
For a limited period only, Richard Dedomenici Products are able to offer you the rights to this technology, in exchange for the release of the Thessaloniki Seven, currently on hunger strike following their arrest on the 21st June.
Write back and we can discuss terms.
I await your swift reply,
Richard Dedomenici
_________________________________________
Ange
e-mail: me@mydadsstripclub.com
Homepage: http://www.mydadsstripclub.com/hungerpicnic.htm
Free the Salonika prisoners
30.11.2003 22:49
I thank you sincerely,
Miss Melanie Roine
Melanie Roine
e-mail: roine@btinternet.com