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Equality and tear gas for all

16 January 2011 / 11:01:25  GRReporter
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In cases such as Sahaap after immigration authorities registered the refugee, he shall be issued a temporary document known as the "pink card". This document does not give him the status of a political refugee and has no value before the government institutions, banks or employers. "Although it certifies who I am with this document I can neither sign a contract of employment, nor can I open a bank account. And so for five years now I reside in Greece illegally". He says that every time thei go to renew their status they hear excuses like "We are waiting for the new law to be voted" or "We can not currently consider your case because a new commission is being formed" or "There are new procedures for which trainings have not yet been held".

While Sahaap told me his story the rally against racism was slowly moving from downtown Athens to the square of Saint Panteleimon. I asked him if he knew why we're headed right there, and he replied: "I have no idea, we were told to do so by the organizers". He said he didn’t know about the problems which the locals have with immigrants in the area and added: "I hope there won’t be any problems." At the same time in the megaphones sounded slogans like "Say No! to fascism", " Say No! So the dictates of the International Monetary Fund" and "Free Greece for all".

When the procession reached the boulevard Aharnon and some of the anarchists in Athens also joined it, who occupied an old building known as the Villa Amalias. The house is known as one of the centers of the Greek anarchist movement since the mid eighties of last century. Anarchists who walked alongside the protesters and immigrants were dressed in black clothes, they had scarves covering their mouth and held the wooden sticks in their hands. In general they are declared to be supporters of the rights of immigrants and it was obvious that they were ready to protect them before the members of the racist Golden Dawn by all means. On Aharnon Boulevard in the close vicinity there were all the ingredients for mixing an explosive cocktail.

Police, however, turned out to be ready to prevent bloody clashes between "peaceful" protesters and even more "peaceful" inhabitants of St. Panteleimon and a block across the square the armored buses of the special forces had closed off the road. After another 50 m from the first blockade there was a second one that held members of the extreme right racist organizations away from their leftist opponents, who defend the rights of foreigners. Tension grew until the outbreak of the first homebrew bomb was heard on the side of the Golden Dawn. It was followed by tear gas, shouting and running. After about ten minutes the same was repeated on the part of the peace march defending the rights of immigrants and against racism.

Tear gas was dispersed, but the concert was not held. The problems of the residents of Saint Panteleimon were not solved. The message that being refugee does not automatically make you a criminal also remained unheard.

Tags: Society St. Panteleimon racism illegal immigration Golden Dawn
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