My name is Léa Courtois Dakpa and I am one of nine European detainees currently facing deportation at the Amygdaleza pre-removal center, following our unlawful kidnapping by Greek police during a political action. This action was part of the global student movement demanding universities divest from the Zionist entity and end the Palestinian genocide and occupation.
We were detained on Wednesday, May 15th, -which is Nakba Day – and have been held for a week without any criminal convictions or opportunities to defend ourselves in court. This is clearly a retaliatory act by the Greek state to silence the solidarity movement with Palestine. Indeed, the reason given for our deportation is our classification as individuals posing a threat to national security. But how can it be, when none of us have been convicted of any crimes, let alone stood trial? The classification as threats to the national security is a clear ploy by the greek fascist government to turn public opinion against supporting the palestinian people, as has been made clear by prime minister mitsotakis’ statement on the day of our arrest, “if some people think they can repeat what they’ve seen in other countries and occupy universities, pitch tents and make a mess, they’re deeply mistaken”. It is clear then that our classification has very little to do with the fact of our arrest and is instead a political tactic used by the government to silence us.
Growing up as a Black person, both in Europe and Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the remnants of colonial oppression and the fight for self-determination. In Europe, I faced systemic racism and social marginalization, while in Africa, I saw the enduring impacts of colonial exploitation. These experiences echo the struggles of Palestinians under Zionist occupation, highlighting the interconnectedness of our battles for justice. These struggles resonate deeply with me and fuel my commitment to global justice.
During our detention, we have witnessed numerous human rights violations, not just against ourselves, but also against other undocumented residents who lack legal representation.
Medical Negligence:
– One of our group requires daily medication, yet we’ve had to fight for access every day, resulting in missed doses.- Another detainee’s request for psychiatric care was dismissed, with appointments admittedly delayed until after release.- The camp doctor is infrequently available, and in emergencies, medical aid is dangerously delayed due to the camp’s isolation.
Food Restriction:
– Detainee food is barely edible and nutritionally insufficient. We found suspicious blue residues in our meals, raising concerns about drug contamination.- Despite regulations, our visitors were denied the ability to bring us food, and we were coerced into buying from the camp’s overpriced mini-market, stocked with products supporting the Zionist regime.
Manipulation of Visitation Rights:
– Our visitation rights have been grossly violated, with limited access and no private meetings with loved ones.- This contravenes the guidelines provided by our embassies, which guarantee more frequent and private visitations.
Denial of the Right to Information:
– Greek authorities routinely attempt to have us sign documents without translation, violating our right to understand the implications. Initially, no translations were provided for our deportation orders, and when they did, the interpreters were undercover police, aiming to extract information deceptively.
In response to these injustices, I am commencing a hunger strike that will last until our demands are met, and for as long as I am detained in this camp.
My demands are as follow: 1. An investigation into the blue residue found in our food and an end to practices weakening detainees through diet. 2. Allow detainees to receive food and water from outside visitors. 3. Ensure the daily presence of a camp doctor. 4. Guarantee that detainees under medical treatment receive their prescribed medication as directed. 5. Provide timely medical appointments for all detainees. 6. Respect detainees’ visitation rights according to international standards. 7. Ensure daily presence of translators in French, English, Arabic, and Farsi. 8. End our unlawful detention and annul the deportation order issued before our trial.
I remind the world of why we are detained: Palestine has been under Zionist military occupation since 1948, subjected to apartheid and genocide. Our detention is a political move to stifle solidarity with Palestine. This will not succeed.
Intersectionality teaches us that the struggles for justice are interconnected. Reflecting on my African heritage, the resilience and courage of my ancestors against colonial rule inspire me to continue fighting against all forms of oppression. The parallels between the African liberation struggles and the Palestinian quest for freedom are clear, highlighting the universal fight for dignity, justice, and human rights.
I join the long tradition of political prisoners and administrative detainees using their bodies in protest. My hunger strike is a stand against the injustices of fascist states. Whatever happens to me during this strike is solely the responsibility of the Greek state.
In my indefinite hunger strike, my only intakes will be water, sugar, salt, tea, and vitamin B1.
Our convictions are stronger than your repression. Free Palestine! Free all political prisoners! End all Administrative detentions !
Léa Courtois Dakpa 24/05/2023, Amygdaleza Detention Center