11/2025
In recent years, a dense surveillance and control network has been
created, especially in central neighborhoods, which jeopardizes our
anonymity in public spaces, squares, and neighborhoods. This network primarily consists of security cameras, both public and private (in shops, entrances to houses and apartment buildings, etc.), which violate our right to privacy to a very large extent. This is complemented by the incessant patrols and checks by countless cops in our daily lives.Another example is that of the Municipal Market on Fokionos Negri Street in Kypseli, which has recently been “secured” by a collection of cameras on each side, which of course record the entire surrounding area. The Municipal Market of Kypseli was in ruins for many years until 2006, when it was occupied by local residents with the aim of meeting the needs of the neighborhood, operating in a self-organized and direct democratic manner.
It immediately came under fire from the Municipality of Athens
and was finally evacuated by the police in the summer of 2012 on the orders of Kaminis. In 2023, the Municipality of Athens began to
“exploit” it, transforming it into the most prominent alternative
entertainment venue in the heart of the area. The Municipality of
Athens, over time and regardless of party affiliation, has spearheaded or assisted in many cases of evictions of squatters and attacks on the public character of the city.
This action is part of a “redevelopment” plan in the context of
gentrification and violent tourism that has invaded most neighborhoods in the city center in recent years, from which the Kypseli area could not be left out. The mass purchase of real estate by funds for the purpose of short-term rentals has turned our neighborhoods into entertainment venues for tourists and led to permanent surveillance through cameras in public spaces. This has resulted in skyrocketing prices and rents, leading
to the displacement of the lower social classes.
A similar example is the recent evacuation of Exostrefi on Strefi Hill
and the permanent military presence of police throughout the surrounding area of the hill, while recently the mayor announced a call for its “exploitation” and conversion into yet another entertainment venue in the area for tourists.
The same practice was used in the Koukaki neighborhood, with the
eviction of three squatted houses (Matrozou 45, Panaitoliou 21, and
Arvalis 3) in 2020. These houses were occupied in 2017 for the purpose of housing and political activity by comrades not only from around the area. This resulted in the squats immediately becoming the target of the authorities, in an area suffocating from tourism and gentrification.
On Tuesday, December 2, our comrades who vigorously defended the reoccupation of Matrozou will be tried in the second degree and face a long prison sentence.
On Friday, November 28, we proceeded to write slogans and attack with paint the facade of the Municipal Market of Kypseli, targeting mainly the external cameras of the building. We dedicate this action to our comrades on trial, as a small token of solidarity.
Wish you colorful Christmas, mayor
NO SQUATTER IN PRISON
SECOND DEGREE COURT FOR MATROZOU, TUESDAY 2/12 9AM EVELPIDON
Anarchists
Translated by Act For Freedom Now!