More than five months after the EU summit in Thessaloniki, 7 people incarcerated within the Greek prison system - Simon Chapman (English), Fernando Perez Gorraiz (Spanish), Carlos Martin Martinez (Spanish), Souleiman "Kastro" Dakduk (Syrian), Spyros Tsitsas (Greek) and two Greek juveniles - have finally been released pending trial. Despite overwhelming evidence that they have been framed and despite solidarity protests around the world, this only occurred after approximately 2 months of hunger strikes by 5 of the prisoners.
Previous information (not yet updated)
Kastro and four others have now been on a hunger strike for almost two months now [updates 24 Oct | 30 Oct | 05 Nov]. The Hunger Strikers are being joined in solidarity hunger strikes [Greek | Espanol]. Demonstrations continue in Greece [Athens 1|2|3|video - Thessaloniki 1] as well as elsewhere [see below for latest updates]. The legal team reports that the 3rd appeal has failed [Legal Team update 07 Nov|12 Nov].
Solidarity actions also continue in the UK: On the 27 of October a picket took place outside the London's Greek embassy. Two weeks later, on the 8th of November, the international day of action in solidarity with the Saloniki 7 hunger strikers, a demonstration took place in London [Pics and Reports 1 | 2 | Video], as well as a solidarity gig in Cardiff, a spontaneous action and a 24hr protest and solidarity hunger strike in Norwich [update], and a solidarity screening and talk in Colchester. In London an all nighter benefit gig was organised for Friday 14, and another solidarity picket [reports 1 | 2] on Saturday 15. For a complete listing of solidarity actions in the UK and abroad click here.
Corporate media within the UK have been paying some attention to Simon's case and Fair Trials Abroad as well as Amnesty International are monitoring the situation. More recently, Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP has offered support - as well as condemning violent actions by supporters in Greece.
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Hungerstrikers Latest News
November 26:The Thessaloniki 7 are to be released today. The hungerstrike has ended. Their determined protest against their imprisonment on remand on false charges was successful. The news spread from imc thessaloniki to indymedia uk within 1 hour: [14:30 | 14:43 | 14:51 | 14:56 | 14:58 | 15:06 | 15:06 | 15:07 | 15:08 | 15:14 | 15:21 | 15:23 | 15:24 | 15:26 | 15:33 | 15:39 ]
Solidarity groups all over the world are wishing them a good recovery.
November 26: At 4 pm Greek time, a special Council ruled that the Thessaloniki 7 are to be set free until their trial. Meanwhile, they are not be allowed to leave the country. [imc athens | imc uk | reuters]. Earlier in the day, the Athens district attorney issued a statement that the 5 hunger strikers will be forced fed and doctors who refuse this will be "charged with homicide" [reuters | imc uk]. Possibly, this lead to increased media pressure on the Greek authorities.
November 25: 2 Hungerstrikers moved to hospital in critical condition [Press Release TPSG 26 Nov]. An Amnesty International Press Release calls for independent investigation into ill-treatment of demonstrators. A photo by Reuters photographer Yannis Behrakis clearly proves that Simon has been framed by the greek police.
November 24 The public prosecutor suggested to turn down the request for immediate release of the seven hungerstrikers. The final decision of the magistrates council is expected in a few days. They can decide against the public prosecutors suggestion.
[Thessaloniki Legal Team Press Release 24 Nov imc uk | imc thessaloniki]
Due to their "extremely dangerous" condition, the hunger-strikers' doctors issued a public call [imc uk | imc thessaloniki]
November 23: Kleanthis Grivas, Alexandra Eftimiadou, Maria-Myrtw Griva, physicians of the 5 on hunger strike, examined Carlos Martin, Fernado Perez and Spiros Tsitsas in the General Public Hospital of Nikaia. The doctors had a hard time finding someone in charge, and concluded: "In Greece, civil rights have a chance of being relatively protected only if their infringement happens to take place during week days and not during Sundays or Holidays". A lawsuit against Greek authorities is envisaged doctor's statement
November 22: The authorities continue to move the weakened hungerstrikers around, without informing their doctors and lawyers. Solaiman Dadkuk "Castro" was taken to the Tzanio state hospital, as the prison hospital at Korydalos prison is not sufficiently equipped. He needs a surgical operation to prevent perforation of intestine. He was trasported back to prison, although the doctor of his choice disagreed. Carlos Martinez was taken to the Nikaea General State Hospital. The members of the medical staff of Koridalos Prison Hospital refuse to provide information to Simon Chapman
