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Athens is Frontlines
12-Oct-2010
Towering over a triad of green, white and red tents, the Akademia of Athens looms large in the distance. Founded in 347 BCE, the initial sacred grounds of Platonic Academy were once dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The great Aristotle roamed its precincts in the grove of olive trees as he pondered Plato’s lecture “On the Good.”
Today, come rain or shine, the modern Akademia is the Persian battleground, housing the Campaign of seemingly destitute refugees in its bosom. The Persian battle cry reverberates across the Aegean Sea to awaken the Greek conscience once more, to question the foundation of their democracy, and to highlight the refugees’ human rights worldwide.
As autumn creeps in, rain lashes against the red canvas, soaking Neda’s picture. The poster depicting Sakina’s stoning verdict hasn’t been spared either. One by one, water seeps into the colored placards and distorts the images of Iranians imprisoned, tortured, and hanged by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The children of asylum seekers dash in the rain to seek refuge under the tents. Tomorrow, another family dresses up in their best Sunday school attire to head to the Greek Ministry of Interior. One more interview is scheduled to determine the destiny of an Iranian family in exile.
However, the next day brings no resolution to the plight of the asylum seekers. The interview to determine the eligibility of the applicants for political asylum is postponed until the following week. Time and again, every Tuesday, the same family is summoned to the Ministry of Interior for a chance to appear in front of the interviewing committee. Every Tuesday, they are turned away without an explanation. “The father’s file is misplaced,” a Greek official annoyed by the persistence of the translator grumbles under her breath. Another employee barks, “One of the interviewers couldn’t make it. Come back next week.”
Consequently, as a direct result of such delays and non responsiveness to the peaceful requests of the asylum seekers, the Central Committee representing the Campaign is forced to take drastic actions. On Monday, October 11, 2010, the asylum seekers together with their Greek attorney working pro bono will deliver a letter to the Greek officials demanding immediate review of thirty pending cases. If no action is taken within three days, the asylum seekers will go on hunger strike and sew their lips. Tents will be erected on the site of the Campaign to house those participating. “The time is up for the Greek government,” says Ribwar Ghobadi pounding his fist on the table. “The Campaign’s headquarters is here! If the Greek officials want to talk, they must come to us!”
For thirty one years since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, patriots in exile have asked a simple question from themselves and each other: “How can we fight IRI while living outside Iran?” From Los Angeles to New York, from North America to Europe, from Middle East to Australia, this blasted question has consumed brilliant minds while generating superficial answers devoid of substance.
Some Iranian patriots in exile are biding their time till military attacks are carried out against their homeland. Others have become poets, writers, and bloggers to either vent their frustrations or exercise freedom of speech and tolerance of opposing views. Nearly all of them have preserved Persian customs and traditions and have taught their offspring Iranian patriotism. Think-tanks have been formed, campaigns have been launched, and demonstrations have been organized. Although the seasoned patriots now buried in foreign soil have passed on the torch to the younger generations, for thirty one years, the same question remains unanswered.
In Athens, beneath the green rooftop, sit three Iranian college students who have escaped our homeland only one week ago. Around the same table under the asylum seekers’ tent, supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi are greeted by a veteran Kurd. A hot steaming cup of tea brewed Iranian style is placed in front of each guest. The Kurdish pishmarg of Democratic Party takes the seat next to the leftist Komala member while leaning to whisper an Iranian T'aarof in the ears of a newly arrived Pahlavi loyalist.
The college students are from the University of Shiraz and have stopped by the site of the refugees’ Campaign to seek advice. “We are just passing through,” they explain. “How do we get to Germany?”
And with this laden plea, there lies on the table the answer to the question asked for thirty one years: To fight Islamic Republic of Iran while living abroad, Iranian political activists must identify the frontlines in the war against the regime and join the on-going battle without delay.
Due to its close geographic proximity to Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon, Greece has become the Islamic Republic’s best ally in the European Union. In an attempt to export Islamic revolutionary frame of mind and to influence foreign and domestic policies abroad, the Islamic Republic of Iran has established deep roots on Greek soil and befriended Greek officials, politicians and police forces. The Islamic Republic’s embassy in Greece is run by a substantial number of employees estimated to be two hundred fifty members while spies and informants are recruited from the hefty population of hungry refugees in Athens.
Naturally, the geographical location of Greece has also drawn political activists escaping Iran through shared borders with Turkey to the Greek soil. In other words, by sheer luck, this ancient democracy has turned into the corridor through which Iranians seek refuge in the rest of Europe and possibly even North America.
Once they arrive in Greece, Iranian political refugees are finger printed and given a “Red Card” granting them no legal or human rights in Greece. As long as their applications are pending, asylum seekers are virtual prisoners on Greek soil. The European partner states deferring to the Conventions of Schengen and Dublin hold Greece responsible for the processing of asylum applications filed in the member states and deport the refugees back to Greece. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran rejoices at the plight of the political activists now neutralized in a state of limbo in Greece and entangled in the never ending web of bureaucracy and red tape.
Today, Athens is the frontlines in the war fought in exile against the Islamic Republic of Iran. But where are you?
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Stop running
by Parthianshot91 on Tue Oct 12, 2010 11:08 PM PDTBrothers, we already have thousands of anti-regime movements abroad amongst Iranians, what we need to do is stay in Iran and continue the movements there. In our own country, that's where it will and shall happen. We need to be in Iran for the regime to change, in their own backyard.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"They are not afraid of the ideology alone, but of the detemination and will of the men behind it"
"I'd rather be hated for w
LalehGillani
by AmirKabir on Tue Oct 12, 2010 06:18 PM PDTIt is good to see that you are trying to help some Iranians in a civilized manner, instead of promoting civil war. Don't tell me you are doing this out of hate for IRI and not love for people.
If i was in these brothers and sisters shoes, i would have stayed in Iran instead of getting asylum. Regardless, I wish them luck and I hope they succeed and make themselves a better life wherever they desire.
با سپاس
LalehGillaniTue Oct 12, 2010 05:32 PM PDT
از تمامی دوستان گرامی که به سفارتخانه های یونان فکس و ایمیل فرستاده اند تشکر میکنم. آناهید عزیز، خسته نباشید.
Rejecting IRI
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 05:27 PM PDTRaoul1955 asked: “Do you know that by rejecting the Islamic regime of Iran that you are [essentially] rejecting the belief system of over a billion idiots worldwide?”
Yes, I do. If the entire population of earth were Muslims and every single one of them believed in the Islamic system of rape, torture, and murder, I would still reject it out of basic human decency.
I reject political Islam that sets out to convert the world by the force of its sword.
To 'LalehGillani'
by Raoul1955 on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:59 PM PDTDo you know that by rejecting the Islamic regime of Iran that you are [essentially] rejecting the belief system of over a billion idiots worldwide?
Hamin, Honey!
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:41 PM PDTSargord Pirouz wrote: “And realize that I accept the Islamic Republic of Iran for what it is, politically and socially, out of a sense of basic realism.”
You choose to accept the Islamic Republic of Iran out of a sense of basic realism, but the rest of us choose to reject it out of a sense of basic human decency. Hamin, Honey!
Don't bloat up with
by Sargord Pirouz on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:31 PM PDTDon't bloat up with self-importance from my personal commentaries, honey. I'm simply voicing my own personal opinion, like the single vote I cast in both American and Iranian elections.
And realize that I accept the Islamic Republic of Iran for what it is, politically and socially, out of a sense of basic realism.
That you choose to be rejected and beg to be allowed to live in semi-accepted exile in a foreign land, that's your business.
Video Just Arrived Direct from Athens
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:27 PM PDTMeet Iranian asylum seekers in Athens, their headquarters in front of Akademia, and their determination to expose the crimes committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran:
Nice Read
by Raoul1955 on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:20 PM PDTBut reads like a sad story. I don't understand how these people can have any demands on Greeks. They 'demand' this or that, as if it was the Greeks who replaced the Iranian secular regime with an Islamic one. Perhaps Iranians should stop whining all the time.
Do you know of any other group of people that are constantly whining about their own situation?
Do these Iranians know that there are many nations in Africa whose leaders just butcher their people?
Do Iranians know that there are many nations in Africa where the people don't even have running water?
Do Iranians ever consider that there are many African nations where people can't even find food for their daily sustenance?
People are people. If those poor Africans can handle their very harsh lives, so can Iranians.
Iranians should stop blaming others for their own plight and recognize the simple fact that it is NOT the responsibility of the whole world to take care of them.
Cheers now
When Sargod Speaks
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 04:14 PM PDTSargord Pirouz wrote: “So there are a handful of Iranian malcontents in Athens. As we used to say in the early 70s when unimpressed: Big wow."
When IRI supporters speak and attempt to marginalize the number and importance of “malcontents” in Greece, it ought to mean only one thing to Iranian political activists: IRI has vested interests to protect in Greece, and Iranian political refugees have challenged that interest head on.
Please support the asylum seekers in the fight for their basic human rights in Greece. You will be fighting IRI…
A Plea to the Defenders of Human Rights
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 03:55 PM PDTThe Central Committee representing Iranian asylum seekers has asked all Iranians worldwide to stage protests in front of Greek embassies on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
If you are unable to attend a protest, please send fax and email messages to Greek embassies in support of Iranian asylum seekers in Athens. Time is running out. The Iranian refugees in Greece will go on hunger strike and sew their lips on Thursday.
I have posted a sample letter on this thread, and you can find the address, phone number, and email listing of all Greek embassies worldwide at the following link:
//www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Greece...
به امید روزیکه دموکراسی سکولار در ایران بر پا شه ... !
کلاه مخملیTue Oct 12, 2010 03:29 PM PDT
روح مصدق شاد ... همیشه همینو برا ایرانمون می خواست ... دین و مذهب به طور کلی جدا از حکومت و سیاست ... السلام والسلام .. !
Dear Laleh, I sent e-mail to sfgr@greekembassy.org
by Anahid Hojjati on Tue Oct 12, 2010 03:27 PM PDTLaleh jan, first, thanks for all your efforts to help Iranian refugees in Greece. Thanks to your blog and comment, I just sent an e-mail to
Consulate General - San Francisco
at e-mail address: sfgr@greekembassy.org and I used most of your lines that you had in your last comment. thanks for highlighting plight of refugees in Greece.
Letter to Greek Embassies
by LalehGillani on Tue Oct 12, 2010 03:14 PM PDTTo the Greek Embassy:
Iranian political refugees in Greece have staged a peaceful strike in front of the University of Athens since September 1, 2010. They have a simple request from the Greek government to process their applications for political asylum and to give them an answer as soon as possible.
I am sending you this letter in support of Iranian political refugees and their demands. The Greek government's treatment of Iranian asylum seekers is appalling and devoid of basic human decency.
Iranian political refugees have escaped persecution and tyranny in hopes of finding freedom and democracy in foreign lands. In Greece, their human rights have been repeatedly violated by the Greek officials and police forces. I strongly condemn the policies of the Greek government and plead with you to put an end to the suffering of Iranian political refugees.
قابل توجه مدعیان سینه چاک حقوق بشر
LalehGillaniTue Oct 12, 2010 03:02 PM PDT
قابل توجه مدعیان سینه چاک حقوق بشر و کمک به ملت ایران: براندازی جمهوری اسلامی پیشکش. بفرمائید به ایرانی بی پناه مانده در یونان کمک کنید. نه پلیس ضد شورش و نه بسیجی بی همه چیز.
نه اوین و نه کهریزک. این گوی و این میدان!
با تظاهرات در مقابل سفارتخانه های یونان در سرتاسر دنیا و فرستادن فکس به وزارت کشور یونان از پناهجویان ایرانی در آتن حمایت نمائید.
وزارت کشور یونان
0827 699 210 30 00
کمیساریای عالی پناهندگان در یونان
6417 672 210 30 00
جهانشاه ؟ !
کلاه مخملیTue Oct 12, 2010 02:35 PM PDT
بابا تو دوباره این کامنت ما را که پاک کردی ! آخه این چه وضعشه .. ! اون بالا صفحه اولت زن لخت داره اخبارمی گه ... ! حالا این کامنت ما خیلی بد بود ؟ :! عجب گیری افتادیم! - لا الله الی الله .. ! :)
Sargord
by Simorgh5555 on Tue Oct 12, 2010 02:20 PM PDTCensoring because of national securty is as old as Adolf Hitler. Typical renderings of a fascist state terrorist country. However, a die hard supporter of Islamo-Fascists regimes like you visits Iranian.com (which is banned in Iran) regularly but it hasn't changed your opinions one bit, has it?
Again, what's good for you should be good for al Iranians.
As for your dog: Ask your cousing to take it to a national park and see whether the mutt make its back to her house.
Hey, we had a dog in Iran.
by Sargord Pirouz on Tue Oct 12, 2010 02:10 PM PDTHey, we had a dog in Iran. My cousin has a dog in Tehran.
There are expensive motorcycle clubs in Iran. FARS recently had a photo essay on one.
Yes, in Iran one is blocked by normal means of surfing internet sites listed by VEVAK. The country is under threat from far more powerful adversaries. I understand that; you do not.
And yes, I do enjoy my dual-citizenship status, and I vote in both elections. That's how my views are made relevant. But keep in mind, I do accept the results, even when my candidate does not win.
Sargord
by Simorgh5555 on Tue Oct 12, 2010 01:57 PM PDTYeah, well. They don't have dual citizenship like you, Mark. Every time there is a political turmoil you can run to sunny San Fransisco and spend a couple of weeks at the most in Iran in your Auntie's house during the summer.
The right to have a decent job, to drive your motor cycle, to be able to surf internet sites without government censortship such is not exclusive to Mark Pyruz. Hell, you evern own a dog, am I correct? I think a lot of Iranians want to own one too and be able to take it to a park without it being confiscated for being Najis.
What's good for Mark, should be good for all Iranians.
Consider this: back in the
by Sargord Pirouz on Tue Oct 12, 2010 01:28 PM PDTConsider this: back in the late 1960s/early 70s, here in the US we had roughly 100,000 young Americans seek refuge abroad, mostly in Canada.
So there are a handful of Iranian malcontents in Athens. As we used to say in the early 70s when unimpressed: "Big wow."