UNITED WE STAND AGAINST RACISM, POLICE BRUTALITY, POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Racism together with idiocy motivated the policeman who during a police check last week destroyed the Koran that a Muslim immigrant was holding. All Muslims (immigrants, refugees and citizens) became justly angry and demanded: punishment for the policeman responsible and an official governmental statement condemning the incident. Contrary to these expectations Mr. Ch.Markogiannakis, minister of public order, announced an investigation with no clear deadline or consequences for the policeman. At the same time he accused anybody protesting of being a trouble-maker, who threatens the public order and the social peace in Greece…! Such a statement could provoke only more anger. It was a clear sign that the authorities were protecting the police –once again- and not the basic democratic rights that any immigrant, refugee or citizen should enjoy in this country. Maybe basic democratic rights are just empty phrases for Mr.Markogiannakis, but not for us. His statement acted as a green light for far right political forces to come out with a bolder anti-immigrant, anti-refugee and anti-Muslim campaign. Mr. G.Karatzaferis, leader of LAOS, stated that all those who do not like the fact that they are accommodated in a Christian country should leave…! Of course, in such a contest of racist propaganda, the fascist organization “Hrisi Avgi” had its say… And together with that was action, fascist action. Burning the mosque in Ag.Panteleimonas (Saturday 23/5) was their work. Attacking immigrants, refugees, antiracists and even journalists in the same place during the last few days was their work again. But the police were completely absent in all these incidents. The government has used the rioting that erupted last Friday after the end of the protest, to accuse and victimize all immigrants, and all Muslims. Of course, as with every mass movement, we need productive methods to achieve our goals. For immigrants and refugees, for workers and the youth, for the antiracist organizations, there is only one way to follow, that of the common mass struggle against our common enemies. Now is the time to act in unity, demanding: * The punishment of the policeman responsible. No more state officers to remain unpunished for violations of basic democratic rights. * Recall of Mr. Markogiannakis’ statement. Official condemnation of the incident by the government. * Respect for all different religions. Unofficial worship spaces to be legalized. Immediate construction of a mosque in Athens. * Zero tolerance for fascist murderous action. Full investigation controlled by the society for the relations of parts of the police with fascist organizations. * A new legalization process for undocumented immigrants. Political asylum for all refugees. Decent refugee and immigrant centres in Athens, Patras, border islands etc. to accommodate the homeless. * Measures against poverty and unemployment and mass social spending for people’s needs. People’s needs must come before bankers’ and bosses’ profits. The system wants us divided so they can rule. We can stop them!