Cyprus: CALL FOR SOLIDARITY TO THE 67 (until now) IMMIGRANT HUNGER STRIKERS

The hunger strike of the 52 immigrants in the central prisons of Cyprus is continued for the 10th day (24/10 - 2/11). The authorities have paid little attention to it, showing a total lack of care for the immigrants' lives and health which are at stake.

The immigrant hunger strikers are held in violation of the Supreme Court's limit of 6 month detainment, and are also refused the return to their countries, and other alternatives of detainment have not been made available, such as bail, voluntary return to their homes or temporary stay permits.

They are being pressured daily to forfeit the hunger strike, and threatened that their children will not be allowed to attend school.

On thursday 27/10, a 46-year-old man from Algeria attempted suicide in front of block 10's cameras and butchered his body with a razor. He was rushed to the General Hospital of Nicosia in an ugly condition.

The next day, 28/10, a Syrian man attempted to hang himself with a noose out of a bed sheet.

Both are now in the Psychiatric ward of Athalassa!

On tuesday 1/11, 15 more immigrants in the cells in Lakatameia began a hunger strike. A few weeks ago, in the same cells, a 28year-old man from Georgia passed away.

On the same day, a spontaneous gathering was held outside of Lakatameia's cells to show solidarity with the hunger strikers. The police provocatively shut doors and windows, and avoided contact with the people.

The media and the entire political spectrum have covered up the events, while the attack of nationalist youths against arabic-speaking students of the Vergina lyceum was given much air time.

They are attempting to promote xenophobia and racism, trying to divide the working class and pin society's problems on immigrants.

But now they are afraid. They are afraid to highlight the issue because they are afraid of the people's reaction and the direct support to the immigrants, so they try to repress the strike from the inside. They are afraid because a potential victory for the immigrants would mean a rise in moral for struggles on a larger scale.

The issue of immigrants without papers and asylum seekers is an issue that the 'democracy' of Cyprus continues to face in terms of repression and detainment, violating basic human rights.

We call everyone internationally to express their solidarity to the 76 hunger strikers and demand their immediate release.

EVERYONE OUTSIDE THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THURSDAY 3/11 AT 13:30

End the mistreatment of immigrants!

Immediate fulfillment of their just demands!

Libertarian Communists Organization
www.rojanegra.blogspot.com