Greece: Solidarity with imprisoned anarchist Olga Ekonomidou, member of CCF/FAI-IRF

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Comrade Olga Ekonomidou, member of the anarchist revolutionary organization Conspiracy of Cells of Fire, has been in solitary confinement for 25 days now in Diavata women’s prison, because she refused to undergo the—humiliating to her dignity—process of prison strip search, refusal realized by all comrades-members of CCF.

The comrade is now being held in Diavata prisons, after her disciplinary transfer from Eleonas–Thebes prisons on the grounds she attacked an inmate snitch that had been deliberately moved in the same ward. As a result, Olga is currently in a disciplinary cell of Diavata prisons, monitored by CCTV cameras 24 hours a day, which she was eventually able to cover, claiming what is only obvious with her gumption and uncompromising attitude.

Olga has been imposed three disciplinary penalties so far, including her disciplinary transfer, for which an official document was sent from Diavata prisons to the ministry of Justice that is deliberately filibustering, thereby prolonging the comrade’s confinement in a disciplinary cell. Specifically, despite having met several times since then, the Central Committee of Prison Transfers vindictively extends her stay under these circumstances.

The repressive mechanisms’ position does not surprise us one bit, since they’re trying to crack down in a targeted way any form of dignity, resistance and disobedience within their state prison cells. Nevertheless, solidarity with Olga’s struggle is our own firm position.

Hands off the comrade Olga Ekonomidou, member of Conspiracy of Cells of Fire/FAI-IRF

We stand next to those who oppose body searches

Assembly of solidarity to imprisoned and prosecuted fighters/Athens
safa.espiv.net

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“Only then are the roles broken, disappeared through an active stance. I myself chose an active stance in a world of passivity. I chose to actively participate in a revolutionary organization. I did not follow anyone, nor was I carried away by something. I made a choice. I was present at discussions, decisions, actions, and now at pay time. I took responsibility for my acts, even though I could have taken advantage of my identity as a woman and thus receive a more favorable treatment. But how dignified would that be?
Throughout history, a woman who is engaged in revolutionary undertakings in fact manages to repeal two roles at once. On the one hand, she consciously abolishes her identity as a legal person, questioning laws and order, and on the other hand she abolishes her identity as a woman, surpassing the concept of gender roles (mom, wife, chick) that society has attributed to her.”
—Olga Ekonomidou, member of the anarchist R.O. CCF [June 2011]

Even in the difficult conditions of incarceration, comrade Olga Ekonomidou continues to serve her worthiness in the most resolute and combative manner. Her refusal to undergo a body search is yet another sign of dignity, among so many others accompanying her consistent route. The State is taking revenge on her, putting her in solitary confinement, because this—pusillanimous revenge—is the only thing that professional guards of the regime’s class know how to impose against proud people, who perceive their lives as a constant journey to the land of liberalized desires. Against those comrades that follow the rough paths of total disobedience, refusing the roles of submission and choosing the decent attitude of total rebellion, the State reserves a range of policies in an attempt to curb fighting spirit… Futile are the rulers’ labors. Olga’s overall stance is not a role model within the existent, but stands as an example of battle and dignity, which factually opposes the various human models, like all those who serve and capitulate to the dominance. Therefore, only the Power and its civilization can be found in the isolation of our soul and conscience, while comrades such as Olga have rightfully earned a prominent place in our personal value code.
Olga, you’re not alone!

SOLIDARITY, RESPECT, HONOUR TO ANARCHIST REVOLUTIONARY OLGA EKONOMIDOU

Conscience Cell “Black Sword”

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—you may also read “Solidarity with the imprisoned anarchists and revolutionaries in Greece and worldwide” (submitted by OK Cafe Manchester, UK)

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Two statements of the R.O. CCF for comrade Olga Ekonomidou, during another session of the second “Halandri case” trial, were read in court by the CCF members Christos Tsakalos and Michalis Nikolopoulos. After reading the two statements, all four members of CCF/FAI-IRF that currently stand trial left the courtroom of Koridallos women’s prisons, so the trial session was stopped.
—to be translated by This Is Our Job