In a press release, the committee expressed deep thanks to “everyone who helped bring this event to life – from the artists and sound engineers to the photographers, collectives, groups, and organisations, and the comrades who took shifts at every post to make this powerful collective effort a reality – a truly historic concert of solidarity.”

A large banner at the event read: “A entire train carriage wasn’t enough – yet one single bag is for Nikos Romanos. Freedom for the political prisoners of the Ambelokipi case.” It stretched above the crowd, symbolising the collective energy and support behind the initiative.

Magda Fyssa, mother of murdered anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas, gave a moving speech:

“On my way here, I wasn’t just thinking about Nikos Romanos, but about whether we as a society have done enough for someone we first met under violent circumstances when he was still a child – and have since watched him being slowly destroyed by the state,” she said.

“They fear Nikos – his youth, his determination to fight for a different kind of society. Because people like Nikos, and people like you who stand here for him, can create a different society. One where children aren’t gunned down in Exarchia, don’t drown in the Aegean, aren’t murdered in train crashes, or unjustly thrown into prison.

Over the years, I’ve spoken at many important events in memory of my son, Pavlos. But today feels like one of the most significant.

I want to wish strength and courage to Nikos’ parents. Patience and conviction to those who support him. And to all of you, never stop standing on the right side of history.

To Nikos, I want to say – you are not alone. As long as you’re not free, none of us truly are. Stay strong, and never give up.”

A message of solidarity was also delivered by Yiannis Maggos, father of Vasilis Manggos:

“We are here to demand the release of Nikos Romanos.

The state, unfortunately, seeks revenge. Just like the government – a government that doesn’t serve the people. In fact, it sees the people as its enemy. A government that rules through force and fear, where police violence is rampant.

Let me remind you of the brutal torture my son, Vasilis Maggos, endured in police custody in Volos in June 2020.

Nikos Romanos – in our soul, we carry Alexis [Grigoropoulos] and all the innocent victims, and in our hearts, we hold you and all those persecuted. We, the simmering society, are the barrier against injustice and repression.”

Nikos Romanos’ father, Giorgos Romanos, also took to the stage, referring to the tragic train crash at Tempe that killed 57 people, most of them young:

“And finally – the great crime of the railway. The crash at Tempe that killed 57 young lives. What did they do in response? What they always do. They covered it up.

The train of Greece’s post-dictatorship era runs on that double electric track. And on those rails, you’ll find the fingerprints of the political class and their accomplices.”

The Solidarity Committee stressed the importance of unity and support, especially ahead of a council decision on extending Romanos’ pretrial detention – something the prosecutor has already recommended.

“The tactics and rhetoric of the authorities are nothing new. To cover up their own crimes, they brand as terrorists anyone who dares to fight for a world without human exploitation. But we know full well who’s responsible – for Tempe, for Pylos, for the denial of justice, for the hardening of the penal code, even for the slaughter of Palestinians and other peoples of the Middle East.

The concert concluded peacefully, with organisers noting the venue was left in excellent condition. The event, they said, sent a clear political message and left behind “a collective legacy of resistance.”

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