KEERFA (United Movement Against Racism and the Fascist Threat) has condemned the brutal assault of a migrant worker at a petrol station and car wash in Patissia, Athens. The attack was reportedly carried out by hired thugs of the business owner, following accusations of theft that the worker denies.

According to the organisation, the worker – Farouk Hamza – was beaten with metal knuckle dusters and stabbed in the head by men linked to the employer’s husband. KEERFA states that the attack was ordered by the employer, who chose not to contact the police but instead opted for vigilante-style violence.

Farouk Faizal had been working the night shift at the station – a role he had held for three years. On the night of Monday 12 May, around 3:15 am, he moved a customer’s car to a designated spot for cleaning the following morning. Upon returning to the office, he noticed that around €3,600 was missing – money usually left there after customer payments. He reported it to the site manager, but the company made no attempt to alert the police.

He continued his shift, which was due to end at 8 am, but stayed late as the next worker was delayed. Around 10am, he returned to his nearby home – only to be followed and attacked.

According to reports received by KEERFA, two men forced their way into Farouk’s home, hurled abuse at him, and demanded he hand over money they falsely claimed he had stolen. The men were on the phone with the employer, who urged them to beat him until he confessed, alleging a theft of €10,000. Farouk insisted he had taken nothing. The assault ended with him being stabbed in the ear. His attackers also confiscated his phone to stop him calling the police – which he had said he intended to do.

As if the attack weren’t enough, Farouk was then pressured by the company not to press charges. Despite this, he filed a complaint against his attackers. In response, the employer filed a counter-complaint. Farouk was also asked to drop his case and return to work, as if nothing had happened.

It remains unclear whether the employer or the attackers have been arrested. Meanwhile, despite being the victim of serious violence, Farouk is currently being held in custody and is due to appear in court on Friday 16 May.

“Why wasn’t the police called immediately after the alleged theft?” KEERFA asks. “Why resort to a thug-style beating instead?” The group is demanding that Farouk Hamza be released, and that those responsible for the assault – including the employer – be arrested and brought to justice.

KEERFA also shared video footage supporting Farouk’s innocence. The video reportedly shows him parking a vehicle outside, while another individual enters the premises and takes the missing money – confirming that Farouk was not responsible for the theft.

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