The group says it had been invited by the lawyer of Panos Routsi, the father of a Tempe victim, and by Zoe Konstantopoulou, president of the Course for Freedom party, to attend the parliamentary debate on an amendment concerning the area around the Unknown Soldier memorial, which includes the Monument of the Names of the Victims of Tempe.

According to the statement, the 14 members of the group were delayed for about an hour and a half and were subjected to repeated searches and the retention of personal belongings on entering the parliamentary courtyard. They say they were escorted and watched by some 12 guards during the sitting. One member was reportedly forced to leave the gallery after refusing to cover a T-shirt bearing the group’s logo.

The statement adds that Ms Konstantopoulou intervened after being alerted by phone, leaving the plenary to urge officials to allow the group to remain with its insignia. She then raised the episode from the parliamentary podium, interrupting her speech to denounce the treatment and to press for the return of the group member who had been expelled.

The collective described the measures as having no legal basis and said they reduced the parliament to ‘an embarrassing image’ by effectively preventing peaceful observers from attending. ‘Democracy and free expression of personality are already a thing of the past,’ the statement said.

The group pledged to continue its public presence despite what it called ‘intimidation practices,’ warning that a government that treats citizens, including children wearing a T-shirt, ‘as enemies and potential terrorists’ has already failed.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.