The party said the rally had been banned at the time on the grounds of the spread of coronavirus, a move it described as a pretext aimed at circumventing democratic rights. It added that the trial is taking place in a broader climate of repression, referring to threats of mass prosecutions against farmers, disciplinary measures against students and teachers, and prosecutions against activists across different sectors.
According to the statement, despite the five-year interval since the events, a gathering was held outside the courts, with slogans chanted and statements issued by trade unions and collectives. Dozens of people reportedly remained inside the courtroom throughout the proceedings.
KKE (m-l) said that even the testimony of prosecution witnesses revealed, in its view, that the charges were unfounded and that the trial was being used to intimidate the public and undermine democratic rights. After the defendants gave their statements and as proceedings entered their final phase, the court decided to adjourn the trial, setting its continuation for 20 January.
The party also criticised what it described as a provocative and heavy police presence inside the courtroom from early morning until the end of the session. It said those entering were subjected to searches and that supporters were prevented from attending on the grounds that the courtroom was full, despite empty seats being available.
In its statement, KKE (m-l) said it has no illusions about the role of the state and its mechanisms, which it accused of seeking to suppress and intimidate social struggles. It called for mass participation in a rally outside the courts on 20 January, demanding the acquittal of all eight defendants and opposing what it described as the criminalisation of protest.
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