Sunday, October 11, 2009

On the night of September 26 fifteen cops raided the house of Mohammad Atif Kamran, a 25-year old migrant living in the neighbourhood of Nikaia in Athens, shouting and beating him and his family. At the time, there was a complaint against Kamran for a child beating. Eyewitness neighbours say he was dragged from the house in such a way that his head would bang on every step on the way out. He was taken to the local police station, which became a torture chamber: He was held for two days, during which he was subjected to severe beatings (while tied hand and foot) and electrical shocks. On the second day, the person that had placed the original said they did not recognise Kamran and that the police had arrested the wrong person. Kamran’s family and neighbours knew of his torturing by the police but fear prevented them from taking him to a hospital, as he was undocumented. On October 10th, Kamran passed away.

The police tried to cover up the incident. His brother was pressured and misled into signing that Kamran had no bruises when he left the police station.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood of Exarcheia is living police socialism to the full, that is, beatings, intimidation and arrests for all. On the night of Saturday October 10th, the cops extended their occupation of the neighbourhood for a third consecutive night. It is now becoming clear that the plan is to establish an even more permanent presence in Exarcheia. This is already met with resistance: A first impromptu demonstration was called for Saturday. What will happen in Exarcheia in the days and weeks to come is crucial – the cops are hoping it will set a precedent for more unrestricted use of force across the country.