A Statement of Solidarity from the Boston Anti-Authoritarian Movement and a Press Release for a Demonstration at the Greek Consulate.
We will meet Tuesday, December 16th at 11:30 at the Arlington T Station, and march to the Greek Consulate, 86 Beacon Street, Boston, MA.
On Saturday, December 6, 2008 Alexandros Grigoropoulos, a young boy of 15 was killed by a police officer in Greece, sparking a week of political unrest across the country. Here in the United States, we have seen the images in our media about the riots that have resulted from the tragedy—riots that have lasted now for 6 days—but we have not yet heard about the political implications of these developing events.
Alexandros was a supporter of anti-authoritarian and anarchist movements, and he wanted to live free without oppression. His crime, the only reason for his murder, was that he peacefully demonstrated against Greek Police Special Forces who were patrolling a revolutionary neighborhood and attempting to provoke its residents. Many people witnessed to the tragic murder of Alexandros and all deny the police claim that the fatal bullet was a warning shot that ricocheted.
The anarchist movement in very influential in Greece, where people of all ages and walks of life frequently demonstrate against the police, the government and the rich in a struggle to abolish hierarchy and make room for participatory decentralized democracy and social justice. Greece is a country that suffers from a high rate of poverty, affecting 1/3 of its population, with a conservative government and police force that openly collaborates with fascists and neo-Nazi groups such as Golden Dawn to violently repress students, leftists, and migrant workers.
The country erupted first in response to yet another example of police brutality, but now the struggle is one to create social change. Alexandros's death opened the floodgates. Thousands of anti-authoritarians, students, and workers occupy schools, universities and government buildings while others hold marches and rallies in the streets. These actions are against the oppressive governmental and corporate power within Greece. This is not an isolated group or a radical fringe outraged by economic collapse and governmental oppression. The riots that have scarred at least 10 of Greece's cities and the general strikes called by many of the country's major unions on December 10th are a clear indication that the people of Greece are fighting for a new type of politics.
What our media condemns as simple riots and senseless violence is really a heroic struggle against capitalistic and authoritarian abuse and oppression. It seems the anti-authoritarians in Greece are making major strides toward a new world and the end result could make history, following in the footsteps of the Commune Du Paris and the anarchist revolution during the Spanish Civil war.
In this time of turmoil and economic uncertainty, these Greek revolutionaries are fighting back, serving as an inspiration to the working-class and downtrodden people of the world. As a result, solidarity demonstrations have erupted worldwide in places like Berlin, Madrid, London, and New York City.
It is in this spirit that the Boston Anti-Authoritarian Movement offers this statement of our solidarity. We are calling for a Red/Black bloc of anti-authoritarians, leftists, immigrants, workers, students, youth and anyone else fed-up with the state of mthe world and the way the rich and powerful disregard the suffering of the poor. Just as in Greece, we will demonstrate our opposition to the authoritarian system that leaves many without food, jobs or homes while a wealthy few enjoy conveniences beyond our wildest dreams.
We will march on the Greek Consulate of Boston and show the world that Greece is no alone. Come show your solidarity with the oppressed people in Greece standing up for what they believe in. Remember to bundle up in black and red, bring banners, signs and flags, as well as well-crafted messages of Solidarity with the Greece uprising.
To the end of capitalism, to the end of authority, and to the birth of a new world of liberty, justice, and absolute equality,
The Boston Anti-Authoritarian Movement
Also endorsed by:
The Hog River Collective of Hartford, Ct
A good/frequently updated source on the uprising in Greece:
http://www.occupiedlondon.org/blog/ [1]
Website of the Greek Anti-Authoritarian Movement
http://www.resistance2003.gr/ [2]
Website of the Boston Anti-Authoritarian Movement
http://www.BaamBoston.org [3]