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AYS Daily Digest 18/11/2020 — Frontex dismissed investigation into its involvement in illegal pushbacks
By: Ellen Elias-Bursac
Tags: Spain, Digest, Frontex, Greece, Balkans

Are You Syrious?

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Nov 19 · 8 min read

Forensic video investigation of illegal pushbacks on Croatian border (BVMN) // New developments on Canary Islands // Greece to build new camps on its islands by end of 2021

Refugees on the sea between Greece and Turkey — Turkish Coast Guard

EU and FRONTEX

Evidence emerges of EU border agency FRONTEX dismissing investigation into human rights violations

On 2 March 2020, the EU border agency Frontex was allegedly involved in an illegal pushback of a boat with 33 refugees in Greek waters, near the island of Kos. When confronted by a group of investigative reporters on the matter, Frontex director Fabrice Leggeri described the incident as a “misunderstanding”, and publicly assured that the matter would

“be treated with great concern and carefully investigated.”

However, as it appears from a chain of emails obtained through a freedom of information act, the Hellenic Coast Guard was ordered to push back the boat into Turkish water, an action that is illegal under international law.

Moreover, it appears that there was no serious commitment on the side of the agency to investigate the matter, neither at the time, nor afterwards.

According to Frontex, there is no further information on the incident in the files. The Frontex staff did not check the command structures and did not check why there was no internal report on the illegal order. They also made no other attempts to ensure that pushbacks from the Frontex command would no longer occur.

The emails confirm what, unfortunately, is familiar to those who follow the issue of illegal pushbacks: 1) the Hellenic Coast Guard was definitely involved in ordering the illegal pushback; 2) Frontex fails to report or investigate human rights violations; 3) this incident was much more serious than a mere “misunderstanding”, as Frontex officials claimed.

You can find the whole Frontex internal email thread here.
Online Nutrition Center : Fitness and Nutrition in Greece
By: Online Διατροφολογικό Κέντρο
Tags: Online Nutrition Center, Nutrition Center, Nutrition Advisor, Greece, Nutrition Advice

It is a known fact that proper nutrition and regular physical action decreases the risks of different diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke. For this reason alone people are encouraged to implement a daily routine including foods containing adequate amounts of nutrients as well as a regular fitness regime. Online Nutrition Center is the best Nutrition Center that provides best Advice for the proper nutrition care of their Clients.

Not only do these practices eliminate the individual’s risks but it can also greatly decrease medical costs and the need for unnecessary medical procedures such as surgery. By eating healthy and exercising more, people can really make a difference in the medical system in the Greece.

Why are so many people ignoring warnings about improper diet and lack of physical fitness? No doubt there are some people who are simply not too concerned about the outcome of ignoring these warnings.

online διατροφολογικό κέντρο

Others, unfortunately, cannot afford to eat properly and join a fitness program. If this is the reason for their unhealthy practices. It is true however that processed food and canned foods are much cheaper to buy than fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Also, to buy a membership for a fitness center can also get quite expensive, especially if a family is large.

There are alternatives for people who find themselves in this predicament. If they are serious about changing their daily habits to a healthier practice, they do have options. Exercise doesn’t have to be done in a fancy fitness center. There are many physical activities individuals can take part in that will cost them absolutely nothing such as walking, jogging, aerobics or even jumping rope.

online διατροφολογικό κέντρο

Yes, eating properly may be a challenge if money is an issue. For those who find themselves in this situation, and for those who have a busy lifestyle, there are supplements available containing the recommended nutrients. Although this is not the best route to take, it would be better to receive the necessary nutrition from daily food consumption but, if supplements are the only source of vitamins and minerals, then it’s better than eliminating them altogether.

Everyone is serious about the importance of nutrition and fitness. Through education and access to various health-related associations. It may seem to be a difficult practice to implement into a family setting but if a person is determined to lead a healthier lifestyle, there are options available.
5 Takeaways from the 2019 Greek Snap Election
By: Barbuleasa Albert Constantin
Tags: Alexis Tsipras, Greek Elections, Greece, European Union, Mitsotakis

Tsipras’s Failed Gamble

Now-former Greek Prime-Minister Alexis Tsipras has at least publicly maintained in the lead-up to the election that the defeats his Syriza party suffered in both the local and EU Parliament elections will not foreshadow a similar loss in the national elections. Even as most opinion polls showed his party trailing New Democracy, the PM refused to acknowledge that the fate of his radical dream for Greece was sealed. He continued to hope that voters will give him their confidence once again, just like they did in 2015, and that the gamble of calling an early election will have paid off in the end. Unfortunately for him, this proved not to be the case. This was far from surprising, given that Syriza had lost its polling lead over New Democracy in January 2016 and did progressively worse ever since. Tsipras’s acceptance in 2015 of a harsher bailout package than the one Greek voters rejected in a referendum that same year decisively damaged his anti-austerity credentials and the Macedonia name-changing Prespa Agreement proved to be greatly unpopular with the electorate too. A January 2019 Pulse poll found that 62% of Greeks rejected the agreement as “negative” for Greece. The backlash to perhaps the two most important events of Tsipras’s time in government, combined with the contentious coalition with the Independent Greeks party seems to have been enough to guarantee his ouster from power.
AYS News Digest 9/7/19: Frontex watches illegal pushback, report says
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Italy, Digest, Greece, Mineo

AYS News Digest 9/7/19: Frontex watches illegal pushback, report says

Video published off Lesvos documenting dangerous maneuvers of the Turkish Coast Guard in Greek waters / Mineo camp in Italy closed / 350 detainees in Libya released, UNHCR promises to help / Field report from Calais and Dunkirk Are You Syrious? Jul 10, 2019·5 min read

Photo: Screenshot/Refugee Rescue

Greece: Pushback witnessed off Lesvos

Refugee Recscue / ‘Mo Chara’ and Lighthouse Relief reported about a suspected pushback by the Turkish Coast Guard in Greek waters on 2nd July. “Dutch and Portguegese Frontex vessel were on scene within visual distance, and stood by without interfering,” both NGOs reported in a joint statement.

They also criticize, that the TCG performed dangerous maneuvers, which could have caused the small vessel to capsize.

“Mo Chara witnessed the passengers screaming in response to the agression. More than one person jumped into the sea.”

In the end, the people were rescued and the boat towed back on Turkish land.

Now, both demand a full investigation of the incident. An eye-witness testimony of two volunteers can be found here.

In the recent weeks and months, there have been numerous cases of documented pushbacks (also on the land route). At the same time, some 160 people arrived on the Greek islangs today, according to Aegean Boat Report.

More needs to be done for inclusion

In a housing report, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation also shifts the focus on the conditions of refugees in Greece. “ The housing of migrants in Greece was never the subject of public policy,” the study concludes, seeing that the country needed to take care of some 60,000 people after the borders were shut down. But still they the need for a strategic planning for a long term inclusion of all the people.

Migration Ministry renamed

Many people and groups highlight, that the election in Greece likely will also impact the migration and foreigner policy of the country. In a first step, the Minsitry of Migration has been integrated into the Ministry of citizen protection. “The allocation of departments already shows that migration is regarded as a threat in Greece,” Equal Rights Beyond Borders comments.

Provisional agreements

Meanwhile, EU’s Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos called for “provisional agreements” between EU member states in order to deal with rescued people until a reform of the Dublin system. “The challenges of migration cannot only be the responsibility of Italy and Malta simply because these states are located on the Mediterranean,” Avramopoulos told Die Welt newspaper (via Ekathimerini).
The Death of a Beauty Queen at the Hands of the Mob
By: Anita Durairaj
Tags: Russia, Crime, History, Greece, True Crime

The Mob Murders

Svetlana was living the high life and she knew it. She called her mother up every day while she was in Greece to describe her luxurious lifestyle and state that life was a miracle.

There was no mention of any disagreements or discord in her relationship with Alexander.

Alexander actually treated Svetlana very well. It was not him she had to worry about at that point. Besides, their relationship was only a few months old and they were still in the honeymoon phase.

On January 31, 1997, Svetlana was supposed to have called her mother up as usual but there was no word from her. She had most likely been murdered by then.

On the day of the murders, a group of gangsters from the Kurgan criminal organization visited Alexander’s villa in Greece. Alexander had previously worked in this organization and was familiar with the gangsters. They were old colleagues. It is not known if he knew whether they had a hit on him or not. They had come because they wanted to settle a score with him.

When the men were talking to Alexander, someone threw a thin cord around his neck and strangled him. Svetlana was a witness to the murder. Naturally, they had to dispose of her too.

Alexander’s body was found by the police and identified. They also found a large number of weapons in his villa and car. Alexander was supposed to have carried out another hit in Italy but he was murdered before that could happen.

Four months later, the police found Svetlana’s dismembered body in the suitcase in a shallow grave near Athens.

The gangsters who murdered Alexander and Svetlana have not been caught to date.
Peripéteies in Greece — Week 39
By: Tim Bull
Tags: Boats, Expat, Greece, Athens, Travel

I was going to stretch this out, but our daughter Ella accused me of teasing everyone with my updates for the last month or so. Believe me, that’s NOT been the intention, we are incredibly relieved to finally get this transaction over the line.

Which means that the big news this week is that as of 12:00 local time on Thursday 13th May, we officially took possession of our (new to us) boat — a 2009 Adagio Sundeck 44 LBC. It’s been a journey, the process of buying the boat generated around 50 documents that we now have filed away, everything from survey and engine reports, MOA’s, bill of sale, protocol of delivery, various certifications, attestations and pictures of critical systems.

The view on the drive to Kilada. The Peloponnes is VERY hilly with lots of windy roads and epic views.

There’s a saying that the two happiest days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it. I’m not sure about that, we are of course happy, but I’m also definitely looking forward to some very happy moments drinking a cocktail and watching the sunset — but I can understand why the sellers were also very pleased to get to the end of the process. Twelve years of happy sailing and the last two months for them have been doing nothing but digging up old documents!

To answer a few of the immediate questions:
‘Moon Over’ Alert: Racing to the Rescue
By: James Finn
Tags: Gay, Military, Greece, LGBTQ, Fiction

Russian teen Dima and his American lover Ian are hiding out on Santorini, unaware Dima’s Soviet-general father is rushing to find them. All the characters are coming together. Get set for a thrilling conclusion!

Click here to read the chapter —

Author’s Notes:

Borin probably won’t notice, being a fighter pilot and necessarily resistant to motion sickness, but the Mediterranean is not always a pleasant place to journey by yacht. Wind and waves are often fierce, and my own experiences have sometimes involved hanging over rails and praying my stomach would stop turning inside out.

The huge inter-island ferries are one thing. They’re big enough that rolling over waves is less pronounced. But once you board a smaller craft on the Med, you face an important question. Are you a sea person or not? I am not!

Oh, and on to more pleasant subjects, have you ever woken up and suddenly just KNEW the solution to a problem you’ve been chewing on? That’s a fairly common phenomenon. Looks like Juliette is going through it. Interestingly, I have been very unhappy with the last sentence of this novel. I woke up a couple days ago, and a perfect sentence popped into my head. I think it works. Before long, you can let me know if I’m right!
Discover Mykonos, Aleomandra
By: Divine Property
Tags: Mykonos, Aleomnadra Villas, Mykonos Villa, Greece, Luxury Travel

Aleomadra Best Villas to stay in Mykonos

Within a short distance from the cosmopolitan Ornos, is situated the Aleomandra area, on the south-west part of Mykonos, offering beautiful views over the Aegean Sea.

If you are looking for a tranquil spot to relax and rejuvenate visit the unspoiled Glyfadi beach area. Here, you may spend the day at the crystal clear blue waters of the luxurious beachfront 5* Hotel, Casa Del Mar Mykonos Seaside Resort, and indulge in the supreme services and facilities offered by the amazing hotel, and the Holistic Wellness and Spa. The unique spot offers you the option to dine at Miramar Cocktail Restaurant, located on the waterfront offering uninterrupted sea views and serving delicious flavors.

In Aleomandra, Agios Ioannis area is situated the brand new 5* Hotel Kalesma Mykonos offering gorgeous sea views and sunrise views, promising a dreamy experience either relaxing at the hotel’s main pool area, enjoying your cocktail at the pool bar area, or tasting the exquisite flavors served at the popular Pere Ubu Restaurant.

Within a short drive (9 minutes) from Aleomandra, are located the organized and popular Ornos beach and Agios Ioannis beach.

In Ornos beach, the popular Kuzina Restaurant Mykonos and Pasaji Mykonos serving delicious food and cocktails promise a very relaxing and unique daily experience by the beach, either with your family or friends.

The sandy and organized beach of Ornos faces the popular Santa Marina Mykonos, Kivotos Mykonos, and luxurious yachts, along with the gorgeous views over the mesmerizing blue waters.

Near Ornos is situated Corfos beach, where no sunbeds are available, very popular for windsurfing and kitesurf lovers. Experienced trainers are available, upon request to tame the Mykonian waves!

Aleomandra is a tranquil spot featuring luxury Mykonos villas available for rent, either facing the popular Mykonos sunset Views and Delos Island or sunrise views, promising an unspoiled holiday experience, yet within close proximity to all the popular hot spots in Mykonos, including Mykonos Town (Chora), Scorpios, and Nammos beach!

Top Villas in Aleomandra Mykonos for rent:

The Magnificent Villa Sunset Mykonos

Villa Genesis Mykonos

Villa Aquamarine Mykonos
AYS Weekend Digest 20–21/2/2021: Child abuse in Greece
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Child Abuse, Search And Rescue, Digest, Hostile Environment, Greece

FEATURED: Child abuse in Greece

Over the last few days, a case of child abuse has been reported in Greek-language media and some international outlets. On Friday, the former director of the Greek National Theatre Dimitris Lignadis was arrested having been accused of raping minor children. He resigned after the first allegations surfaced at the beginning of February, following the belated #metoo cases in the country. Among the victims were, it seems, a number of children on the move housed in structures in the capital, and who were attending theatre classes led by Lignadis.

The sexual exploitation of refugee children in Athens is not a new phenomenon and was highlighted, researched and reported on a number of times in the past years.

While the new case is developing by the day, Greek media have rushed to focus their attention on two large NGOs in the country, ActionAid and Solidarity Now, which are accused of having ‘supplied’ children for this purpose. With the information available at the moment, it is nonetheless still unclear whether the NGOs knew what was happening.

As journalist Stavros Malichudis points out, blaming NGOs is a well-established tactic of the Greek authorities, attempting to hide the network of connections and corruption through which they appoint high officials (like Lignadis, appointed by the current minister of culture) or grant extremely lucrative deals. This was confirmed by the most recent statement of culture minister Lina Mendoni, who went from labelling such accusations as rumours to distancing herself from Lignadis, in an arrogant attempt to “blame everyone other than herself.” As Lena K. report, “all this was going on for years, very likely covered up by the authorities or otherwise people turning a blind eye. There were reports before, and evidence of many missing unaccompanied minors.”

It is important that all those involved in these brutal abuses are held accountable, without falling into this very Greek ‘game of narratives’. This blaming game is the least helpful thing in encouraging survivors of abuse to speak out. Child safety should be at the very centre of this case.

We’ll keep following the development of this case, to the extent it falls under the daily digest’s remit. Here are some further readings on the extent of predatory abuses experienced by children in Greece:
Greek, The Beginning
Tags: Greek Mythology, Greek Literature, Greece, Greek, Greek Life

This is the journal of a man learning Ancient Greek, alone.

I endeavor to learn this language because my mind no longer has any footing. I am adrift in an ocean of noise where every voice clamors for trust. I noticed this un-mooring as I allowed more sources of “truth” to fill my mind until I had no concept of “truth” except a momentary one that would afford me more moments to follow. I had fallen, and was now mere sophist like every one else. No wisdom emanated from me. I was inert. My mind was lazy, unchallenged and unchallenging, happy to absorb “new information” but lusting, powerfully, for something eternal. I was the most modern man with an ancient soul tearing through seems and cracks. Short of suicide or follysome misadventure, I began a new pursuit of knowledge. I started with knowledge most prescient and immediately applicable: coding. I attended a coding academy and read coding books and finished coding bootcamps online. I learned what it means to code, and found myself nearly braindead.

The pursuit of knowledge was of greatest import to me and I started with the wrong end of it. Coding involves learning a language which can be taught to a computer for it to speak independently of the creator. The languages themselves differ in many ways but they still endeavor to communicate with the machine and, thus, allow the machine to communicate with humans or other machines or both. I was learning a language which could not be spoken, which was intended as purely instructional, and which could change at any moment based on the decisions of its creators. Something in me snapped. I could see the rest of my life in flickers of light cast and cut between blinds. I would be a slave to this dead language, forever forced to my knees on its altar, sacrificing my time and energy to learn revised editions and updated libraries, chained to a monitor 12 hours a day to write and rewrite and review and document words which meant nothing to anyone. And then I’d die.

So I went back, all the way to the beginning. The beginning of civilization, the beginning of wisdom, the beginning of man as separate from beast and as wiser than monarch: Greece.

What follows will be the daily journalling of my journey into Greece: the language, the history, the philosophy, and the literature.
AYS Daily Digest 06/10/20: Katsikas under lockdown
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Paris, Greece, Libya

Unprecedent measure as covid infections rise // NGOs demand investigations on pushbacks and unlawful border violence // Italy modifies asylum decree // EU spends 55 million in Libyan Coast Guard // 2500 pushbacks to Niger // Poor and migrant population in Paris exposed to Covid

Are You Syrious?

Oct 7 · 6 min read

Greece

The Katsikas camp in Ionina has been placed under complete lockdown unprecedently, Soup and Socks writes. According to the group, police arrived in the morning and blocked the entries and exits of the facility. Apparently, this measure comes with a rising number of Covid cases in Ionnina. Wearing masks in public is now mandatory and a midnight curfew is in place. Soups and Socks adds:

However, not a single case of Covid-19 has been detected within the camp of Katsikas. Even at the height of the national confinements earlier this year, residents of the camp were treated no different from the other residents of the region and were allowed to leave the camp, provided they could give a valid reason for doing so, selected from a list of 5 options.

Additionally, the group criticizes that no improvements have been made in the structures of Katsikas. The restrictions put in place are also questionable, when free movement is still allowed for local residents. Apparently, these measures should only be valid for six days, but there is no guarantee that the period will not be extended.

Journalist Franziska Grillmeier reports that the last 60 people from the quarantine facility Megala Therma in the North of Lesvos have been transferred to the new hotspot — some of them were held in the facility for months without adequate support. Meanwhile, a group of 25 people who arrived on the island have today been taken to this site. At least five people are still missing, writes ABR. Some 1800 people have been transferred from Lesvos to the mainland today, according to IOM.

Following pushbacks and border violence, several NGOs urge the Greek parliament to investigate the reports and examine if they are in fact part of a government policy — which would be against several laws.

In the new Moria camp, reportedly eleven new Covid-19 cases have been detected today.

According to Refugee Info, the following Asylum Offices will be closed temporarily from 6th to 9th October:
Senators call on administration to impose sanctions on Turkey over S-400s
By: Hellenic Leaders
Tags: Russia, Foreign Policy, Greece, Turkey, Senate

The Honorable Mike Pompeo

U.S. Secretary of State

United States Department of state

Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Pompeo,

We write concerning public reports that Turkey has activated the radars of its Russian-made S- 400 anti-aircraft system, in order to detect U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets returning from the Eunomia exercise conducted by France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus in late August in response to Turkey’s unwarranted aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean. Reports also suggest that Turkey may plan a general test of the S-400 system near the city of Sinop. Last year, Turkish F-16 jets flew over Ankara as a part of a test of the S-400 system, which administration officials indicated could allow Russia a backdoor to spy on NATO allies.

To-date, the administration has not imposed sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of the S-400 under Section 231 of the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (P.L. 115- 44). Reports of this activation make clear that Turkey has no intention of reversing course and divesting of this system. Additionally, the slow pace at which the Department of Defense is moving to remove Turkey from the F-35 supply chain has no doubt emboldened President Erdogan. Turkey’s recent reported activation of the S-400 system to detect the U.S. F-16 underscores our grave concerns about Russia’s ability to access sensitive data.

Given this information, we again urge you to impose sanctions on Turkey as required by law. In addition, we request the following information by October 14:

Did Turkey activate the S-400 to detect F-16 fighter jets returning from the Eunomia exercise?

Has Turkey integrated the Link 16, NATO’s tactical data link, into the S-400 system? If so, could this integration enable Russia to gather information on NATO allies?

Sincerely,

Chris Van Hollen

United States Senator

James Lankford

United States Senator
AYS Daily Digest 7/10/2019: Another tragedy in the Mediterranean as 13 women lose their lives
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Mediterranean, Digest, Greece, Turkey

AYS Daily Digest 7/10/2019: Another tragedy in the Mediterranean as 13 women lose their lives

Dire living conditions for people transferred to mainland Greece// Turkey to start attacking Northern Syria any minute now// Donations and volunteers needed in Greece and BiH// 44 people on board of Open Arms to be disembarked in Malta// Church asylum becomes more and more ineffective against deportations from Germany// More news from the Mediterranean, Italy, Sweden… Are You Syrious? Follow Oct 8, 2019 · 8 min read

Credit: Anthony Jean, SOS Méditerranée.

FEATURED STORIES

In the night between Sunday 6th and Monday 7th October, another tragedy happened off the shores of Lampedusa, when a boat with 50 people on board capsized. 13 women are reported to have drowned, including a 12-year-old girl and a pregnant woman. 22 survived, but still many are missing; among those lost at sea, there are at least 8 children and one woman and her 8 month old baby. People on board were from Tunisia and other subsaharan countries, confirming the shift that is happening in the depature route .

The survivors were accompanied by the ICG and Guardia di Finanza to the mainland. As investigations continue, the public prosecutor of Agrigento stated that all the people on board were travelling without lifejackets, adding that this tragedy could have been avoided and that all of the credit is to be given to the ICG and Guardia di Finanza for their quick intervention, completely overlooking the role of those NGOs doing SAR operations in the Mediterranean and that could have eaily intervened, possibly saving the lives of those on board on time.

Credit: Mediterranea Saving Humans.

Adding to this, the weather forecast for the area surrounding Lampedusa and Sicily is getting worse, making it even more difficult to intervene at sea.
AYS Weekend Digest 13–14/06/2020 — Greek Coast Guard Ignores Boat in Distress for Over 15 Hours
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Newsletter, Greece, France

Deadly Shipwreck Off Of Libyan Coast///People Evicted From Camps Sleeping Rough in Athens///Bosnian Law Against Distribution of Food///& More

Cartoonist: Emanuele Del Rosso, via Cartoon Movement

FEATURE

Greek Coast Guard Ignores Boat in Distress for Over 15 Hours

A dramatic but all-too-familiar story unfolded over the weekend, when a boat carrying 32 people in distress spent over 15 hours adrift at sea before the Greek government bothered to rescue them.

Several people on board were injured and one pregnant woman was in severe pain. Although some sources reported that she went into labor on the boat, that turned out to be untrue, although the woman did need attention at the local hospital. Regardless, it’s clear that the woman along with several other passengers had been in severe medical distress that was only made worse by spending 15 hours adrift in the Mediterranean.

This callous act unfortunately follows an established pattern in the Mediterranean. Greek and Turkish coast guards were at the scene but both refused to conduct a rescue, saying that the boat was in waters belonging to the other country. The Greek coastguard had removed the boat’s engine and set them adrift early Saturday morning, in the hopes that they would drift back to Turkey. It has become routine for the Greek coastguard to sabotage people’s vessels or set them adrift in flimsy rafts. Not only does this show that the excuse that the vessel was never in Greek waters was a lie, it shows how Greek coastguard official policy seems to be based on brutal racism and cruelty.

The people on board this particular ship were rescued by the Greek coastguard, after over fifteen hours of international outcry. They were taken to Petra, where they will be tested for coronavirus before quarantining in Megala Therma. A large group of locals was waiting for them in the port, expressing their disapproval of the rescue and of more people on the move landing on the island.

This particular story ended somewhat happily, with all people on board rescued and given clean bills of health by the hospital on Lesvos. But what will happen to these people now, dropped into a filthy camp environment, with many people on the island opposing their presence there? What about the countless others who’ve been subjected to illegal, violent pushbacks, with tactics that are designed to kill?
AYS Daily Digest 05/01/2021: Horrific death of a youngster in Libya
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Lipa, Calais, Greece, Libya

AYS Daily Digest 05/01/2021: Horrific death of a youngster in Libya

Footage from Libya shows a dead boy and and a living boy, both starved to their bones // Greece: More news about worrying new members in cabinet // Updates from Lipa camp // 265 people land in Sicily // Arrivals on Canary Islands // Expulsions from Calais // Deportation scheduled from Germany to Afghanistan // UK: Right-to-Remain Toolkit updated to a post-Brexit version Are You Syrious? Follow Jan 6 · 9 min read

Distribution of clothes Care4Calais volunteers in a church in London. Copyright: Care4Calais

Boy starved to death in Libya

The researcher Guilia Tranchina has reported about the appalling death of a 16 year old boy in Tripoli. The boy from Somalia apparently died from starvation and tuberculosis. His 14 year old friend was with him. The 14 year old is reported to be still alive, but it is very unclear if anybody, besides fellow people on the move, are helping him. A video published by Giulia on Twitter and Facebook shows a boy, crouched on the floor and weeping. He appears starved to his bones. Another picture shows the dead boy, skeletally thin, lying on some blankets on the floor next to the other boy.

Guilia stated that no NGOs took the responsibility of helping the boy after fellow refugees who found the boy and his dead friend tried to call for help:

“Other refugees who found them called UNHCR, IOM and IRC but they say that they were told by all agencies that ‘it’s not their responsibility’ to help the sick boy still alive. Most organisations said it would be UNHCR responsibility as they were both registered as asylum seekers, but nothing has happened so far. Several hours later IRC came with some officers to remove the dead body, but refused to take care of the sick boy and take him to hospital.”

Apparently the boy was later taken to a hospital but released shortly after, again with no support:

“He was taken by the refugees to UNHCR centre & then to hospital today, given a drip and then discharged again so now the refugees are trying to organise how to help him because he cannot stay alone, sick, without food…& UNHCR apparently said they will go to visit him tomorrow..”

How can anybody still claim Libya is safe? How can Europe still push for a Libyan Coast Guard? How can there still not be a proper rescue mission for people who try to flee this country?

We decided not to include the footage in the Digest, due to the graphic and shocking nature of the content. However, you can easily find it on Guilia’s Facebook and Twitter.

An informative but not too current article about the so-called Libyan Coast Guard can be found here.
Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Maloney & Bilirakis Reintroduce Resolution Calling on the U.K. to Return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece
By: Hellenic Leaders
Tags: Archaeology, Parthenon, Congress, Greece, United Kingdom

Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Maloney & Bilirakis Reintroduce Resolution Calling on the U.K. to Return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece Hellenic Leaders Mar 18·2 min read

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, ahead of the 200th anniversary of Greece’s independence, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, introduced a resolution calling on the United Kingdom to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The Marbles were removed from Greece 200 years ago by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin and transported to Great Britain. The Marbles were part of a frieze that wrapped around the Temple of Athena. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles and they now reside in the British Museum. Despite years of efforts by the Greek Government to reclaim the Marbles, it has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its British counterparts to return the Marbles to Greece.

“As we celebrate the bicentennial of Greek Independence from the Ottoman Empire this year, we cannot forget that Greece continues its fight to have the Parthenon Marbles — some of the country’s greatest examples of artistic expression and beauty — returned to their rightful home,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “The Parthenon Marbles are vital pieces of Greece’s history and the people of Greece and those who visit from all around the world to see the magnificence of the Acropolis should be able to enjoy the Marbles in their rightful home. This bipartisan resolution calls on the United Kingdom to finally return these treasures.”

“Art provides a window into history and its expression is liberty,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The Parthenon Marbles were made by the citizens of Athens under the direction of renowned artist Phidias to celebrate the pride and majesty of the City of Athens. To not house and view these citizen contributions in the city they were originally intended does a disservice not only to the people of Athens, but also to the civilization that paved the path for modern democracy and freedom. I sincerely hope to see these original works and other important elements of Hellenic history finally returned to their rightful owner for future generations of proud Greeks to enjoy.”

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The Disarming Beauty of the Venus de Milo
By: Art Democracy
Tags: Greek Mythology, Greece, Art, Sculpture

The Venus de Milo is popularly believed to be a tribute to the Greek deity Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, (known as Venus to the Romans). She was discovered in 1820 on the island of Melos, and is thought to be the work of Alexandros of Antioch. One of the more renowned works of ancient Greek sculpture, she is immediately recognizable by her missing arms, which has led to endless speculation as to the cause of their loss.

With her disarming elegance and poise, it’s no wonder that this sculpture is so well-known. One really has to hand it to Alexandros.

Well now, offhanded puns aside (that was the last one, I promise), let’s discuss this masterpiece. Despite the undeniable beauty the statue possesses, the greater part of her story resides not in what she has, but rather, what she doesn’t.

Aside from her missing arms, there is a filled hole below her right breast that originally contained a metal tenon that would have supported the separately carved right arm. The curiosity regarding this enigmatic sculpture is insatiable.

There have been numerous theories and stories surrounding the Venus de Milo’s missing limbs. One such claim states that they were broken off in 1820 during a fight on the shore of Melos, as French and Turkish sailors battled for possession of the sculpture. Popular belief today, however, is that the limbs were already missing upon the original discovery of this artwork.

The missing arms have led to open-ended speculation about the statue’s original pose. She has been imagined standing beside a warrior — Mars or Theseus — with her left hand grazing his shoulder. She’s been envisioned holding a mirror, an apple, or laurel wreaths, sometimes with a pedestal to support her left arm. She’s even been depicted as a mother holding a baby.

A popular, more modern theory was put forth by textile archeologist Elizabeth Wayland Barber, who notes that the posture of Venus de Milo suggests that she may have been hand spinning.

The wonder of the Venus de Milo’s story lies in the open-ended nature of the tale. The fact that, even centuries after her completion, the story is not, nor will it ever be, complete. There’s always more to imagine. Always more to create. Art is what you make of it.
Greece: Journalist Mina Karamitrou’s car targeted by unknown perpetrators.
By: Women In Journalism
Tags: Crime, Greece, Freedom Of The Press

Unknown perpetrators set the car of a CNN Greece journalist Mina Karamitrou on fire late Tuesday night. The attack took place at 2:30 early Tuesday morning, the car was parked in the open garage outside her home in Papagou suburb of North Athens.

According to the local authorities and news reports, the perpetrators had reportedly poured flammable liquid over the car and set it on fire. Mina has been marked safe from the attack.

Greek news websites reported that the Minister of Public Order olga Gerovassili said “the press cannot be silenced. the perpetrators will be led to Justice.”

Knowing that Mina is a pioneer in covering crime issues in Greece, the CFWIJ finds it revolting that attackers were able to locate the house and car of the journalist, targeting it leaving no leads or clues.

Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Tzanakopoulos wrote on Twitter “targeting press is unacceptable and condemnable and the perpetrators will be held accountable.”

Mina explained in an interview this morning on the local TV program “Good Morning Greece, that she believes the attack was related to her coverage of Dimitris Koufodinas, who is serving 11 life sentences for murders committed while he was affiliated with the November 17 anarchist group.

The CFWIJ urges the Greek government to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Mina in the upcoming days and hopes that the investigation holds the perpetrators responsible.

Women journalists around the world are threatened and targeted daily due to their work, while many of them are surviving, some were not very lucky and their families await for justice.

In October 2017, Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, was killed when a detonated bomb destroyed her car as she was driving near her home in Malta.

CONTACT:

Press Inquiries

Press@womeninjournalism.org

Sulome Anderson

Director Advocacy

Coalition For Women In Journalism

sulome.anderson@womeninjournalism.org

Luna Safwan

Coordinator for campaigns and communication

Coalition For Women in Journalism

luna@womeninjournalism.org
Mykonos Private Driver Luxury Services
By: Holidays Mykonos
Tags: Mykonos, Greece, Concierge, Holidays, Travel

Mykonos Private Driver Luxury Services

by Holidays Mykonos

holidays-mykonos.com

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT YOU CAN DO IT

Mykonos is one of the most Luxury holiday destination in the world. The Services you can find on the island is pretty much everything you can imagine. But the first you have to worry about is your Chauffeur Service. You need someone reliable someone with inside knowledge about Mykonos and always on time, that is your Mykonos Private Driver. Get ready for the most wonderful experience and the most exclusive service, that will make you feel always the leader of your vacation in Mykonos island.

Everybody has their 15 minutes, and those 15 minutes should be spend in a private limo and a private plane. It’s the ultimate.

William Shatner

ONE DAY OR DAY ONE

The first day you will come to visit the island, someones will be beyond waiting for you at the airport or the port. This is your Private Driver in Mykonos ready to whisk you to your destination. Providing you the most excellent of your vacations, there you need to go to the swimming beach or you require to visit the hot spots you will move on style and elegance with your private car.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT YOU ARE IN

Late nights in Mykonos you don’t have to worry about how you will return to your hotel or your villa. Your Chauffeur is there waiting for your message or your call and he’s about to pick you up anytime you feel like your night is finish.You wake up and you ready to start your journey again? a private car is beyond for you and your people always on time for you to start the exploration.

Now if you want to learn more about your holidays Mykonos Services please click the button below or feel free to contact us for any inquiry we are awlays here for you answering your questions.

LEARN MORE
To make your vacation more memorable book holiday villas in Greece
By: Anthony William
Tags: Holiday Villas In Greece, Greece

As Greece is one of the best tourist destinations of the world, owning holiday villas in Greece will be a great decision. So, that you can stay there whenever you visit this country with your loved ones during vacations. To make this procedure much smoother, GPE360.com will be your ideal partner. Focussing on international investors, we are one of the leading online real estate portals of Greece. Properties in Greece are available at a lower price in comparison to other European countries. Greece government offers various foreign direct investment policies as well. Therefore, investing here will be the best decision. Hurry up, invest here now to enjoy more returns on your investment.

Because of its high-end infrastructure and connectivity, foreign investors are looking for apartments for sale in Greece. Considered as the cradle of western civilisation, Greece is home to beautiful islands. Amazing climate throughout the year, is yet another highpoint to be considered. Being a well developed country, Greece is home to exotic beaches, mountains, valleys and much more. As Greece has a maximum GDP, it is one of the top nations in the European Union. All the locations of Greece are well connected to each other through airways, railways and roadways. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags now and book a home in Greece.

You can easily find plenty of suitable options on our site. GPE360.com is the perfect tool for those who are looking for holiday homes in Greece. We focus on offering quality service to both local and international investors.
AYS Daily Digest 25/06/2021 — Days of action in Samos
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Refugees, Digest, Greece, Stopdeportations, Migrants

Story via SOS Balkanroute:

Our helper Nisvet from Bužim gave us terrifying news this morning. Shortly before midnight, another Iranian family was violently pushed back by Croatian police officers to Bosnia. The police brought the family directly in front of a minefield, left over from the Bosnian war. Nisvet was even in the Bosnian war and accordingly knows exactly where most minefields are located in the Krajina region. “The Croats know where the mines are and of course we also know. But they just left the ignorant people in front of a minefield in the middle of the night”, Nisvet writes.

Even 25 years after the Bosnian war, many minefields have still not been demined, posing a huge danger to refugees in the forests of Bosnia. “It’s lucky nothing happened to them”, writes Nisvet, who picked up the family in the nearest village during the night and took them back to where they found a roof over their head even before the “game attempt”: in a deserted school.

Not even mined areas stop the Croatian police from preventing refugees entry into the allegedly “human rights-respecting” EU. Not only did the Croatian authorities deport the family to the border in the darkness in a difficult area, but they also beat them and robbed them of €150.

Among the members of the family from Iran who risked their lives on the run yesterday, there are three children between four and five years old, a mother, her brother and a friend. They have been persecuted in their country for religious reasons, as they belong to the Sunni faith of Islam, thus forming a minority in Iran. “They told me that because they are Sunni, they only make €200 per month and that they have no future in Iran”, Nisvet, also the family father of two children, tells us. Currently, the family is in the area around Bužim where they were received by Nisvet and provided with a little food as best as possible.

Upon returning he bought them bread, bureks, doughnuts, milk, water and drinks at the bakery. Today he will take care of the family again thanks to your donations. “It’s so sad: they can’t go back to their home country or forward. They have tried 23 times by now and are completely desperate. Thanks to all who support us so that we can at least ensure their survival here in Bosnia”, says the still visibly excited Nisvet.

Thanks to Nisvet and everyone who helps!
AYS Daily Digest 25/06/2021 — Days of action in Samos
By: Ellen Elias-Bursac
Tags: Refugees, Greece, Digest, Migrants

Story via SOS Balkanroute:

Our helper Nisvet from Bužim gave us terrifying news this morning. Shortly before midnight, another Iranian family was violently pushed back by Croatian police officers to Bosnia. The police brought the family directly in front of a minefield, left over from the Bosnian war. Nisvet was even in the Bosnian war and accordingly knows exactly where most minefields are located in the Krajina region. “The Croats know where the mines are and of course we also know. But they just left the ignorant people in front of a minefield in the middle of the night”, Nisvet writes.

Even 25 years after the Bosnian war, many minefields have still not been demined, posing a huge danger to refugees in the forests of Bosnia. “It’s lucky nothing happened to them”, writes Nisvet, who picked up the family in the nearest village during the night and took them back to where they found a roof over their head even before the “game attempt”: in a deserted school.

Not even mined areas stop the Croatian police from preventing refugees entry into the allegedly “human rights-respecting” EU. Not only did the Croatian authorities deport the family to the border in the darkness in a difficult area, but they also beat them and robbed them of €150.

Among the members of the family from Iran who risked their lives on the run yesterday, there are three children between four and five years old, a mother, her brother and a friend. They have been persecuted in their country for religious reasons, as they belong to the Sunni faith of Islam, thus forming a minority in Iran. “They told me that because they are Sunni, they only make €200 per month and that they have no future in Iran”, Nisvet, also the family father of two children, tells us. Currently, the family is in the area around Bužim where they were received by Nisvet and provided with a little food as best as possible.

Upon returning he bought them bread, bureks, doughnuts, milk, water and drinks at the bakery. Today he will take care of the family again thanks to your donations. “It’s so sad: they can’t go back to their home country or forward. They have tried 23 times by now and are completely desperate. Thanks to all who support us so that we can at least ensure their survival here in Bosnia”, says the still visibly excited Nisvet.

Thanks to Nisvet and everyone who helps!