Recently Athens has been shaken by a series of violent incidents which all have their roots to austerity measures, immigration problems, and disintegration of society bonds.
Immigrants attacked and killed by knives a 44 years old father in order to steal his video camera. The victim was attacked as he was about to drive his wife to the hospital so she should give birth to their 3d child. He was carrying a video camera in order to record his new baby girl. Nazis, fascists, extreme-right wings along with citizens of the area, marched beating every immigrant they found on ther way.
A demonstrator and amateur street photographer was beaten by Riot Police almost to death. Still in intensive care, unconsious, fighting for his life. His crime: He was carrying a camera.
Anarchists(?) with covered faces throw molotovs to a police station at Exarchia. Result: 3 citizens injured, one fighting for his life in intensive care. No one was arrested.
The list of violence grows and grows and the State is absent or useless.
A peacefull gathering against violence was organized through Facebook and various blogs, yesterday (15th of May) at Syntagma Square. Citizens with no political parties labels, met together to express their worries and Show their Faces to Violence.
Below you will see a more “artistic” approach to the event.
PLEASE, CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR FULL VIEW
In case you like what you see feel free to Share it with your friends. You’ll find a sharing button at the end of this post.
.
.
.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
.
.
In style
.
.
The door-keeper
.
.
Hold me tight
.
.
The gathering
.
.
.
.
.
Bargain
.
.
Love your perfume
.
.
.
.
.
Abjection
.
.
Body language
.
.
Triangle
.
.
Oh my God
Tourists, being informed about the reason which led to this gathering
.
.
.
.
.
The Interview
Reporters from an internet news site (don’t expect to see the real news in TV) are interviewing people demonstrating their opposition to the State’s attitude.
Great post and photos. You’re doing a good job highlighting these issues. I really like the documentary/street style of the photos.
thank you Simon!
It’s sad to hear about the bad news
Violence is never a solution…
I absolutely agree!
thank you for your visit!
It’s just ridiculous that a man with a camera is treated as if he was holding a gun.
These are medieval times we’re living in. Sad. Very sad.
It’s out of this world, brother. At least of my world.
We all freaked out when we heard it and worse of all it provoked a series of racist reprisal
How is he doing? I’ve searched for updates without luck…
After 9 days in intesnsive care he’s now being in the neurosurgical department. He’s able to move arms and legs and has barely started to react. Despite the investigation, no responsible for his condition policemen have been found.
How unusual… I bet the police department is investigating it thoroughly.
You chose to show overlooked scenes from the gathering, like the events seen through the eyes (sometimes indifferent, sometimes annyoed and sometimes sympathizing) of tourists and even of animals; a few images that show us faces of immigration; and a few images that show the atmosphere of the gathering.
A very interesting tracking shot.
The situation of spiraling violence you described is terrible and terribly worrisome. Violence causes other violence and soon it is impossible to distinguish right and wrong, bad and good. ‘An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind’ – Gandhi said
A peacefull gathering against violence is instead a beautiful sign of concern and caring.
I chose to show a “streetish” approach here, as it is a “street” blog.
The political approach is posted in Demotix.com
And as an emo guy I’m, totally with what Gandhi said!
Damn… its so sad. I had no idea Greece had those kind of issues… Money & Integration of those immigrants are becoming a bigger problem i guess.
I hope things get better Stamatis… and be safe.
somehow, when I see your pictures with the text, its like ‘see no evil, hear no evil’… am i right?
Yes Elias, it’s sad. Lots of issues, piling…
Thnak you very much for your visit and comment!