27 November, 2003

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Greeks back down as hunger strikers near death

Five anti-globalisation activists in the advanced stages of a hunger strike to protest their incarceration in Greece have been given assurances that they will be released on bail.

The decision came after doctors this week refused the state prosecutor's demand to start force feeding.

The five are among a group of seven arrested in Thessalonica following clashes during an EU summit in June between police and protestors opposing the EU's policies on migration and border control.

They say they have been denied justice, despite overwhelming evidence that they have been framed. The men have yet to be told what charges they face.

As we go to print, the lead protestor, Suleiman Dakduk Castro, would have been fasting for 68 days; Fernando Perez, Carlos Martin Martinez and Simon Chapman for 54 days; and Spiros Tsitsas for 51 days.

On Tuesday, supporters of the Salonika Seven demonstrated outside Leinster House, pleading that the Irish, Greek, and European State authorities take immediate action to save lives.

They met with Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who pledged the party's support. They proceeded to the Greek Embassy, where they staged a 24-hour vigil and solidarity fast.

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