The invitation

The collective’s invitation frames the event as a response to enduring questions of state violence and repression, marking 16 years since the killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos by police officer Epaminondas Korkoneas. “The first days of December remain a living reminder of the power of assertion, resistance, and rebellion,” the statement begins, reflecting on the historical significance of Grigoropoulos’ murder and the 2008 uprising that followed.

The statement continues:

“Today, the same repression that sparked the anger in 2008 is returning with even greater intensity:

  • From the killings of Nikos Sampanis and Kostas Frangoulis to the torture and deaths of migrants in the Omonia and Agios Panteleimonas police stations, the police continue to kill.
  • The government’s destructive policies, alongside the degradation of public goods such as health and education, force us to live in poverty and insecurity.

Every voice raised against injustice is threatened, as shown by the persecution of activists, including the pre-trial detention of N. Romanos (Grigoropoulos’ childhood friend) for a fingerprint on a plastic bag, and the violent repression of demonstrations, such as the recent attack on seasonal firefighters during their mobilisation.

Repression is not self-existent; it is the instrument that enables policies of impoverishment to pass without resistance. Police forces, whether inside or outside universities, are used to silence dissent and ensure the suppression of those struggling against injustice.”

Questions to be addressed

The event will seek to explore key questions around state and police violence:

  • Who do you call when the police murder?
  • How can we resist state violence and assert our rights?
  • Why is youth often the primary target of repression?

The invitation underscores the role of youth as a force for resistance, stating: “Our generation refuses to accept poverty, insecurity, and injustice as inevitable. It is this defiance that the system fears most, because it knows that collective power can overthrow its foundation of fear, repression, and exploitation.”

Speakers

The event will feature three speakers, each bringing unique perspectives on state violence and resistance:

  • Natasha Tsoukala: Criminologist specialising in police violence
  • George Karategos: Participant in the 2008 uprising
  • Marios Lolos: Photojournalist

The organisers conclude with a resolute message: “Our dreams will always remain bulletproof.”

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