On Saturday, August 27th there was a demonstration planned in Komotini to raise awareness about No Borders, and against the deportation of refugees and detention centers, such as the one in Venna. The demonstration had about 200 people and we marched the streets of Komotini, including the area where the Turkish minority and gypsies live. During the demonstration, leaflets were handed out and texts were read in Turkish.

After the demonstration in Komotini, we travelled to the detention centre in Venna. It was a small detention centre where hardly a hundred people can be kept but it is known that in the past up to a thousand people were kept at one time there.

There were farms nearby and a garage but nothing else. Police in full riot gear were blocking the road leading to the detention center. The No Border block was well prepared to demand the entrance to the building with any means necessary. After a clash with the riot police, the block managed to push the police line back and reach the entrance of the detention center. We need to emphasize that during the fight a policeman fell in the ground, panicked, drew his pistol and shot in the air. After the dynamic intervention of the protestors, the police was forced to allow a few of us to enter the building.

Inside the camp, there was a small medical room, an office for the police and the main section where the prisoners are kept and we were not allowed to see the conditions inside the prison. We were taken to the office and three people, one Afghani and two Palestinian were brought out. Unfortunately they did not understand Greek or much English but we spoke in English. We told them they had a right to political asylum and they must ask for it. Some people inside were there for up to 3 months but had no contact with lawyers. They said they might be moved to Athens but were uncertain of their future. They have not made demand for political asylum yet and can still be deported.

Names and nationalities of all 17 people held at the detention centre: 1. Basak Hasan Iraq 2. Dilsat Hasan // 3. Halim Sunaban Mauritania 4. Ama Ali // 5. Ahmed Ali Palestine 6. Amin Aisa // 7. Halil Darou // 8. Jahangir Harmany Afghanistan 9. Vosar Mohamed // 10. Karmal Ibrahim // 11. Ples Virgiliu Moldavia 12. Burduh Constantin // 13. Ohrilov Elena // 14. Zop Ilivana // 15. Verdes Maria // 16. Chirita Mariana // 17. Zacon Tatiana //