Edessa: The political convictions of young people continue

He was walking in the center of Thessaloniki on the night of December 6th, 2009… He was arrested on charges of criminal organization and possession of Molotov cocktails. On December 13th, 2010 in Edessa he underwent a trial with no evidence, 2 cops as prosecution witnesses, and was sentenced to 9 years and 3 months imprisonment.

Chrisovalantis Pouziaritis was the last detainee of the State since December 6th, 2009—the first anniversary for Alexandros Grigoropoulos murder. He was accused for participation in clashes and charged with leading position in night riots outside the Thessaloniki University, criminal organization, possession and throwing of explosives with the purpose of causing bodily harm. The indictment was supported by 2 cops of the MAT anti-riot police, without any proof beyond description and speculation that recognized him as “leader of the hooded ones,” including the ridiculous allegation that he was not wearing a hood because he was the leader! They had no evidence, not even the infamous fabricated ones, like random loaded bags, or anything else to set up an indictment.

Two more witnesses that testified explained why Chrisovalantis was present at the place, and confirmed his statement of not being associated with any political group and never participated in those riots. The authorities verified that he had a clean record.

Chrisovalantis is an ex drug addict, currently taking part in a withdrawal program, the stopping of which can put him into danger of re-using drugs. He also has problems moving one of his legs, which makes it impossible for him to take part in conflicts.

It was a premeditated decision. His unanimous conviction by all judges and the jury shows that they didn’t even need to carry the whole proceeding. Even in the final statement of the advocacy to the court, the presiding judge kept on making negative comments and, with an obvious expression of boredom, told the advocate to speed up. The slavish jury unanimously convicted a young man to imprisonment, proving their obedience to authority and the court’s will.

Chrisovalantis’ trial ended with his conviction to 12 years and 4 months at first and then, due to his “previous good character” it was reduced to 9 years and 3 months. This conviction is a proof of what we all thought; it didn’t have anything to do with the trial itself, as it was a clear message sent by the State to all and mainly those who resist.

Ten years in prison was also the sentence that Saraliotis—the cop who, together with Korkoneas, murdered Alexis Grigoropoulos on December 6th, 2008—received as accomplice to murder.

The constant repression, fighters’ arrest, attacks on every free voice, the fact that ideas are penalized, show in what a difficult position the authority is in.

The 40 people in solidarity at Edessa courts attacked verbally the cops guarding the judges, and then went on a small demonstration through the town.

We will get stronger, we will become more daring. They enrage the prudent ones; they make the more dialectical ones to prepare for conflict. This will be our answer.

FREEDOM TO ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS
FREEDOM TO ALL, IN OR OUTSIDE PRISON