ESCALATING HOMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL ATHENS

BLATANT VIOLATIONS OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS TO FREE EXPRESSION AND PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY

The cooperating Greek LGBTQI and anti-fascist organizations are extremely alarmed at the escalating number and intensity of incidents of homophobic violence being reported in central Athens.

The most recent reported attack took place early Saturday evening, 3 November 2012, in the Keramikos/Gazi, a popular bar-cafe district. At about 7:00 p.m., volunteers from the cooperating LGBTQI-antifa groups were distributing anti-homophobic flyers. They attracted the notice of a group of about five Greek men in a particular cafe, who called for “reinforcements,” bringing their number to about twelve.

Identifying themselves repeatedly as “Chrysavgites” (members of the neo-nazi Golden Dawn party) the twelve men proceeded to physically assault and terrorize our volunteers, dispersing and chasing them through the narrow surrounding streets. It is corroborated that at least one of the attackers wielded a knife.

On behalf of all Greek LGBTQI persons, Athens Pride calls upon all international bodies and concerned citizens in Greece and abroad to condemn Golden Dawn and all manifestations of homophobia and transphobia in Greece. Democratic freedoms cannot be allowed to collapse on the excuse of economic hardship.

Andrea Gilbert
Spokesperson, Athens Pride
+3069 74187383