Occupation by Afghan Refugees in Athens enters its fourth month

The hunger strike of 300 migrant workers which ended after 44 days earlier this month caught the attention of the (alt) media and the local populace and eventually worked to persuade the government to grant them some rights. But less attention seems to have been paid to the ongoing protest of Afghan refugees outside the main university building in the city. Several hundred individuals began their occupation of the site way back in November last year. Over 4 months later and the group are still there, their numbers having declined to around 90.

They are calling for political asylum in Greece. Until now, they have been living without any formal status (some for more than 10 years), surviving and raising their families without any formal support or right to support themselves. Unable to return home, EU migration controls also forbid them from moving anywhere else. This is a situation of stalemate. On this issue one protester commented “Greece is a prison without walls”.

Beyond the physical occupation – which consists of several tents, an info desk, a communication tent and the commitment of the protesters - 9 of the protesters decided to go on hunger strike, sewing their lips together in order to be heard. This most desperate and resolute of acts, which began in December - was finally met with agreement from the Ministry of Civilian Protection that their cases would finally be addressed. But over a month has passed and beyond the hunger strikers, it doesn’t seem like anything is happening. This lack of attention seems the most crass and shameful element to the government’s response to date.

So the migrants are now calling on the support of political parties, local activist and human rights organisations and other migrant groups so they can firstly defend themselves against fascist attacks on their occupation and secondly reach their demand. Up until now they have gone it alone.

At the moment in Athens, similar protests are ongoing among the Iranian and Palestinian communities as well. What kind of situation is it when such public acts of desperation are the norm? Or when getting attention necessitates this level of extremity?

Link

www.afghanrefugeesgr.blogspot.com