Seven of the demonstrators arrested last June during the mobilisations against the EU Summit in Thessaloniki, Greece, are still in Diavata prison awaiting trial.
All 7 were brutally beaten during and after arrest. There is documentary evidence (Greek TV footage) showing riot police planting ‘evidence’ (bags with petrol bombs and missiles) on at least one protester (Simon Chapman) AFTER his arrest.

All prisoners face charges of Riot, Resisting Authority and Possession of Explosives; these charges carry sentences of 7-25 years.
Successive applications for bail have been rejected on the grounds that the 7 prisoners are “dangerous” and likely to commit punishable acts if released. Their lengthy imprisonment before trial suggests that the 7 prisoners have been singled out by the Greek State for “exemplary punishment”.

Five of the prisoners are currently on hunger strike protesting against the circumstances of their arrest and imprisonment.
Spiros Tsitsas has been without food since Oct. 7th, Simon Chapman, Fernando Perez and Carlos Martinez since Oct. 5th, whilst Suleiman "Castro" Dakduk has already been on a hunger strike for over 49 days [see IMC-Thessaloniki and IMC-Athens for up-to-date information]. The Diavata Prison authorities have responded by restricting the strikers’ rights to receive visits. With every passing day their health is deteriorating: Carlos Martin Martinez was admitted to hospital on November 3rd and then on the 4th. Carlos, whose body was covered with bruises, refused any examination by medical staff in protest to the brutal behaviour of his police guards. Hospital doctors reported that Carlos was repeatedly punched by his guards inside the hospital. Fernando Perez and Spiros Tsitsas were also admitted to hospital on November 5th guarded by heavily armed, antiterrorist squad cops.

Solidarity Actions are Urgently Needed
Solidarity demonstrations are gaining momentum throughout Europe. In London, there were protests outside the Greek Embassy and in Thessaloniki, a solidarity hunger strike has already started. There have been massive demonstrations in Thessaloniki, Athens, Bilbao, Madrid, and Barcelona recently, amongst other places, whilst in Norwich a "week of action" in support of the 'Saloniki 7' has been called by Norwich Anarchists.
The main IMC-UK Thessaloniki Solidarity page is updated regularly and contains many links to background articles and other media.

Protest Letters and e-mails:
Greek Ambassador to the UK
Embassy of Greece
1a Holland Park
London, W11 3TP
Tel. 020 7229 3850 Fax. 020 7229 7221  political@greekembassy.org.uk
 commercial@greekembassy.org.uk
 pressoffice@greekembassy.org.uk

Greek Consulate in Edinburgh
Consul General: Mrs Melpomeni Papaioannou-Plevri
50 Goagrloch Skye
Edinburgh
EH12
Tel./Fax. 0131 477 0706
E-mail:  melpo@blueyonder.co.uk

Letters of support can be sent to
Kratoumeno (Prisoner) +Name
Dikastikes Fylakes Diavaton
T.K. 540 12
Thessaloniki-GREECE