Beaten Up, Fitted Up, Don't Let Them Get Banged Up: Over a hundred people were arrested after a demonstration confronting the European Union summit, held in Thessaloniki in Greece back in 2003. Seven people were imprisoned and held on remand, including UK protester Simon Chapman. The prisoners began a hunger strike that lasted more than 50 days.

A massive worldwide solidarity campaign followed including demonstrations, direct action and occupations leading to all seven being released on bail. They will now face the Appeal Court in January 2011, when they have the opportunity to appeal against their convictions. This means we have less than two months to build a campaign, raise vital funds and show true global solidarity to the defendants.

Beaten Up, Fitted Up, Don't Let Them Get Banged Up

Over a hundred people were arrested after a demonstration confronting the European Union summit, held in Thessaloniki in Greece back in 2003. Seven people were imprisoned and held on remand, including UK protester Simon Chapman. The prisoners began a hunger strike that lasted more than 50 days.

A massive worldwide solidarity campaign followed including demonstrations, direct action and occupations leading to all seven being released on bail. All the charges were eventually dropped.

Years later after appeals from the Prosecutor the charges were reinstated. The first case finally came before the Courts in January 2008 where Simon Chapman and three of the other defendants - Suleiman "Kastro" Dakdouk (Syrian origin), Fernando Perez Gorraiz (Spain) and Michaelis Triakapis (Greece) - were found guilty.

All of those accused maintain their innocence and video and photographic evidence clearly shows police planting a rucksack filled with petrol bombs next to Simon. This didn't stop him receiving a prison sentences of more than eight years, with the other defendants all receiving over five years.

They will now face the Appeal Court again in January 2011, when they have the opportunity to appeal against their convictions. This means we have less than two months to build a campaign, raise vital funds and show true global solidarity to the defendants.

++ How You Can Help

Money is needed urgently to pay legal fees and other costs associated with the trial.

Further information and options to make a donation to the expenses fund can be found on the website at: http://www.salonikisolidarity.org.uk

++ Saturday 27 November 2010, a benefit in an autonomous occupied London venue

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding", 8pm till 4am
Call the infoline on the night after 7pm, 07572 626 859

Dub, bass, reggae, hip hop, techno, noise, electronica, bar and projections, for full line up visit:
http://www.salonikisolidarity.org.uk/upcoming-events/

£5 suggested donation.
All funds raised go towards supporting the Thessaloniki 4 legal cases.

Please contact the solidarity group if you are able to arrange a benefit in your home town.

++ Bilingual Greek/English speakers who can help with translations are needed urgently.
Please contact: thessalonikisolidarity@gmail.com

++ Greek Embassy

Write/contact the Greek Embassy and demand this case be dropped. If you are in the UK the address is:

Greek Embassy, London
1A Holland Park,
London W11 3TP
Telephone: 020 7313 5609

You can also contact them via their website at:
http://www.greekembassy.org.uk/Contact/English/tabid/92/Default.aspx

A demonstration is planned at the Greek Embassy in London on the first day of the trial at 2pm, Friday 14th January 2010. Check the website or facebook pages for full details nearer the time as well as regular updates on the campaign.

++ Spread the word

Please link to the Campaign's website on your web sites, forums, blogs, facebook profiles etc, tell friends and family and help to spread the word. Join and share the facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-For-Simon-Chapman-and-the-Thessaloniki-4/113450595384764

or join and share the facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=150278698345263

Solidarity for the Thessaloniki 4!
http://www.salonikisolidarity.org.uk/

Email: thessalonikisolidarity@gmail.com

thanks and love in advance....