The chronicle of the occupation

The decision taken by immigrants in the assembly, which ended late Thursday afternoon, was to remain in the Law School building.

As Nikos Giannopoulos, spokesman for the Solidarity Initiative, stated, “they decided not to move to another area, because they believe that they are not bothering anyone since there are no lessons taking place in the building, and since the other proposed building does not meet the safety standards they had requested”

It seems that the hours-long meeting with the Proctor last night, in which a new building was agreed upon for the immigrants’ stay, as well as the fact that the whole of the political and social world has been engaged with this issue, does not suit the needs of the immigrants.

“Despite adversity, we secured a building that meets all safety requirements and hygiene in the city center, for the relocation of the migrants. The solution was made possible with the cooperation and assistance of four NGOs, the Red Cross, Doctors of the World and Regional Development and Mental Health Mission, which together with the University of Athens, will arrange for the installation and support of immigrants in this area” as stated by the Proctor Council of the University of Athens.

Meanwhille, the Minister of Public Order was categorical on the matter that the law should be applied, but asylum will not be lifted as a rule.

NGOs agreed but…

On Wednesday, after several hours of meetings, the Rector’s Office reached an agreement with four NGOs for the transportation of immigrants in a building in downtown Athens.

Yet, on Thursday, the immigrants shut the main gate of the Law School and made media statements that they will not leave.

In addition to the above, the Proctor of the Kapodistrian University of Athens, Theodosis Pelegrinis, visited the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, Ioannis Tentes. The meeting went well, according to sources.

Mr. Tentes noted that the an urgent preliminary investigation is being carried out in every direction and not only on potential offenses of proctors but also the traffickers of immigrants and the authorities involved, as the immigrants arrived to Athens from Crete.

Furthermore, it was clarified that if there are any suspects, they will be called to testify and if found guilty of offenses, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

It has also been determined, however, that there are responsibilities stemming from the evidence so far gathered for the traffickers of illegal immigrants. The Proctor directly expressed his anxiousness to avoid a violent evacuation of the Law School, while on his part, Mr. Tentes stressed that unless requested by the Proctor Authority, there must not be any assault on the Law School.

At the same time, the event has caused intense interest in the international media. Even the South Korean television crew is in Athens, covering the happenings. South Korean journalists were dumbfounded and asked of their Greek colleagues to describe the situation within the Law School, but also define what the appropriate law is in such cases.

According to government circles, the ministers seemed determined to not legalize any illegal immigrants. The same sources noted: “Within a short time, we have set the conditions in order to coordinate a unified immigration policy, after the inaction of the New Democracy government. With the revision of immigration law 3386/05 we strike at illegal labour according to European guidelines. This specific occupation is brutal and coercive. It triggers polarization and harms immigrants. With these practices, the real, existing problems are obscured. The academic community has to protect the asylum and the rule of law; not to succumb to violence.