Solidarity to the immigrants-asylum seekers in Nicosia
Solidarity (Cyprus) | 12.05.2006 16:05 | Anti-racism | Migration | Workers' Movements | World
On 04/05/06 there was an uprising of immigrant detainees in the prison cells in the area of the Central Prisons of Nicosia, Cyprus. About sixty prisoners began to protest about the inhuman detention conditions, as well as for their long stay in prison. They burnt mattresses, broke doors and windows and caused damage to Cell 10 before coming out and gathering as a group inside the fenced area. Riot police (ΜΜΑΔ) suppressed the rebellion. Five prisoners and two policemen were transferred to the General Hospital for treatment.
Since 08/05/06 asylum seekers are protesting in Eleftheria Square with the support of KISA (Action for support, equality, anti-racism). They have set up tents and are determined to continue the struggle until the end…
On 09/05/06 some Cypriots also attended in solidarity, among them the organizations “Youth Against Nationalism” and “Worker’s Democracy”. A communal kitchen and a fund for donations have been set up.
On 10/05/06 four asylum seekers of Kurdish origin climbed onto the roof of an apartment building across the street from the Nicosia Municipality, cut themselves with a knife and threatened to jump off if their voices are not heard. After many hours they came down from the building accompanied by a representative of the UN High Commission responsible for Refugees, after they were assured they would not be arrested.
On 11/05/06 a demonstration to the Houses of Parliament took place, where a delegation of seven asylum seekers and the president of KISA had discussions with Demetris Christofias, the General Secretary of AKEL (Party for the Uprising of the Working People). Christofias promised them a CYP1000 donation on behalf of his party and committed himself to forward their demands to the executive authority. Independently of this, the asylum seekers stated that they will continue their struggle.
On Saturday 13/05/06 we are calling Cypriots and Non-Cypriots to gather in Eleftheria Square (at 11:00 in the morning) and march with the asylum seekers to the Central Prisons Cell 10 and demand the immediate release of all detained asylum seekers.
Since 08/05/06 asylum seekers are protesting in Eleftheria Square with the support of KISA (Action for support, equality, anti-racism). They have set up tents and are determined to continue the struggle until the end…
On 09/05/06 some Cypriots also attended in solidarity, among them the organizations “Youth Against Nationalism” and “Worker’s Democracy”. A communal kitchen and a fund for donations have been set up.
On 10/05/06 four asylum seekers of Kurdish origin climbed onto the roof of an apartment building across the street from the Nicosia Municipality, cut themselves with a knife and threatened to jump off if their voices are not heard. After many hours they came down from the building accompanied by a representative of the UN High Commission responsible for Refugees, after they were assured they would not be arrested.
On 11/05/06 a demonstration to the Houses of Parliament took place, where a delegation of seven asylum seekers and the president of KISA had discussions with Demetris Christofias, the General Secretary of AKEL (Party for the Uprising of the Working People). Christofias promised them a CYP1000 donation on behalf of his party and committed himself to forward their demands to the executive authority. Independently of this, the asylum seekers stated that they will continue their struggle.
On Saturday 13/05/06 we are calling Cypriots and Non-Cypriots to gather in Eleftheria Square (at 11:00 in the morning) and march with the asylum seekers to the Central Prisons Cell 10 and demand the immediate release of all detained asylum seekers.
Solidarity (Cyprus)