Greek steel workers attacked by civil war police

Early in de morning of July 20 2012 heavily armed police gangs attacked a steel factory in Aspropirgos, near Athens in Greece, which has been at a standstill due to a strike for 263 days. The police units, which apparently thought they were in a civil war, arrested 9 pickets and during clashes with the workers 39 people were wounded. Between 10 and 15 strike breakers were put in the factory under police protection. Immediately after the attack large numbers of workers rushed to the factory. They demanded the withdrawal of the police and the release of the pickets. It is reported that de attack was agreed with European leaders who were in Athens to discuss the debt crisis.

The attack on the Greek steelworkers came a day after massive protests in Spain against the dictatorship of the EU and the IMF. It shows how far Europe is prepared to go to repress the European workers. In others countries of the EU similar repression will be used if the resistance against the crisis measures is stepped up. We must support each other in this struggle. An attack on workers anywhere is also an attack on us. Spread this message around as much as possible. Because of the crisis capitalism is on the warpath. So remain on guard.