Exarcheia under siege: Behind the Saturday’s Riot They Don’t Want You to Understand

On the Saturday night of April 12th 2025, dozens of anarchists attacked with Molotov the scores of riot policemen that had encircled a live gig taking place in Strefi Hill of Exarcheia, in support of the people in Palestine. The public discussion that followed the fierce riot that unfolded and the threats made by members of the greek government to crush the anarchist movement in the neighbourhood, was about the events of that night, but purposely avoided addressing the reasons that led to that.

Exarcheia has always been a place under siege and attack. But in the last few years, the transformation of the neighborhood is taking place through systemic violence, with gentrification as a weapon. Once a cradle of radical thought and political resistance, the neighborhood is now the site of what many describe as an occupation. On any given day, Exarcheia Square—the area’s only communal open space—is hemmed in by riot police. Three corners of the square are guarded 24 hours a day, their presence a constant reminder of the state’s menace to the people in the area. Since August 9, 2022, when construction began on a new metro station beneath the square, this militarized posture has only deepened. The project has been met with uncompromising local opposition, not only over the destruction of the sole green space but for what it symbolizes: the state’s determination to remake Exarcheia in its own image. Under the right wing New Democracy government, Exarcheia has become a symbol of ideological confrontation. Every day the police march in regimented formations, changing shifts with military-like choreography.

Continue reading Exarcheia under siege: Behind the Saturday’s Riot They Don’t Want You to Understand (Athens, Greece) →

Nikos Palaiokostas passed away today 26/4/25, at the age of 65 in Trikala hospital where he had been admitted following a health problem he had been facing. He is the eldest brother of the family, and brother of Vasilis Palaiokostas, on the evening of the 6th of June, 2006, a  helicopter landed in the yard of the Korydallos prison in Piraeus, a few moments later, it took off, carrying  Vassilis Palaiokostas and Alket Rizai. On February 22, 2009, escaped for the second time from Koridallos prison, who is still being sought by the authorities.

In recent years, Nikos had been released on terms and conditions from the prison of Lamia. Incompatible, unrepentant, for many years in illegality, he was one with his brother as well as with Kostas Samaras. A true wild man of the mountains who never bowed his head.

via: athens.indymedia
And some edit by actforfree