A new Aghios Panteleimonas is being set up in Votanikos!

The area of Votanikos seems to be following the example of Keratea and locals, along with businessmen, are threatening to take the law into their hands, since they feel unguarded against the Albanian Roma, who have occupied a large private area in the region.

«Every day, we are forced to breathe the poisons from the burning of the cables, while the respiratory problems of our children have increased immensely. We don’t even want to think about more serious health issues in the future, since uranium and dioxins have been proven to be carcinogenic. The Environment ministry is mocking
us by promising solutions that are either impossible or illegal. This is enough; we will deal with this ourselves as an obligation to our children», says a parent from the area.

A businessman from Orfeos street, active in the field of transportation, said: «Each month we are forced to pay them for protection so they won’t rob us, and jobs have decreased significantly because of the crisis. The local shops have been ravaged. They are hitting on our unsuspecting customers, who make the mistake of parking in the surrounding streets. They even rob the people from Pakistan that work in the area. Not to mention, of course, the guns, drugs and stolen goods exchanged in front of our very eyes. We seriously doubt that even 10% of them have residential permits, while those who are wanted by the police leave for Albania, change papers, and come back to continue their criminal activities».

According to sources Greek Police, in their investagation against organized crime, are also searching for suspicious connections between camp residents and senior police officers.

It’s worth noting that the owners of the subjugated district have court decisions in their favor (which is a slap in the face of a well-governed state) but the State refuses, or is unwilling to implement them.

Also, the urban planning application for the renovation of Elaionas seems to be stuck because of the camp, as the land owners in the region are reluctant to work in these conditions. A previous on-site report run by protothema gr. had revealed the appalling living conditions of the Roma themselves; no water, electricity or drainage.

In any case, patience seems to have run out, resulting in a new Aghios Panteleimonas and yet another headache for the mayor and the State.