27th August 2002, anarchist comrade Giorgos Karakasian made his third appearance in court following a demo outside the Israeli embassy in Nicosia 18th April 2002, on the occasion of a celebration of the anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel,where scuffles broke out between demonstrators and the police who were protecting the entry of guests to the assassins’ banquet.
The accusation is that of ‘beating a cop’ (who happened to be the second in command for the whole of Cyprus) and causing damage to the car of one of the guests.
It was already clear that this was to be no ordinary trial.
Giorgos received his summons only sixteen hours before the first hearing, at which he was accused of ‘crimes’ which were not included in the original summons. When the comrade denied the accusations against him the prosecutor asked for the trial to be speeded up. It was set for two weeks later, (14/06/02) whereas all the other cases heard that day were postponed for three months. At the subsequent hearing the trial was set for today, 27th August, due to the absence of two witnesses.
During this time first one, then a second, defence lawyer abandoned the case as George was not prepared to apologise for his actions or ask the court for leniency. No other lawyer was prepared to take up his case. Defending anarchists is not good for business in this banana republic!
In court today George decided to speak alone, without a lawyer, and to claim responsibility for his actions. He also declared that he did not recognise the court, and was not going to beg for clemency. The judge was visibly confused and consternated by the singular individual before him who, underlining his revolutionary anarchist identity, was for the first time in the history of Cyprus, claiming responsibility for an act of rebellion with dignity and pride. The henchman of the State’s immediate reaction was to have the comrade speedily removed from court and sent to prison for a week pending sentence, which he has promised will be the maximum for contempt of court. The date has been set for September 4.
All visits have been refused by the prison authorities.
Giorgo’s anarchist comrades in Cyprus are giving him their unconditional solidarity, with all possible means. But, unlike the State, anarchists know no boundaries. It’s up to comrades everywhere to show this fucking island full of soldiers and military bases, that another reality exists: that of the joyous lightness of rebellion.
Some comrades of the anarchist group of Cyprus
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