4 June – La Fleur en Papier Doré Rue des Alexiens 55, Brussels Time: 16.00
We invite members of the press, independent journalists, and international media to attend a public press conference on 4 June in Brussels concerning the ongoing struggle of the Community of Squatted Prosfygika in Athens, Greece.
In the heart of Athens, a living community of people is under attack today. The Prosfygika neighborhood consists of 8 housing blocks with 228 apartments, situated on a central plot of land in Athens, Greece. More than 400 residents currently live in these buildings and are collectively organized as the self-organized “Community of Squatted Prosfygika”. Among them are more than 50 minors, people with severe health issues, refugees, and politically engaged individuals. The community takes care of itself through 22 self-organized social welfare structures that have been running for 16 years and are open to the public. These include healthcare structures, accommodation for cancer patients and their companions, a social pharmacy, childcare facilities, a library, workshops, and solidarity kitchens.
Despite this reality, the Region of Attica approved Decision No. 864/2025, describing the buildings as “vacant” and advancing a redevelopment project funded through European resources. Residents and supporters denounce this decision as false and lacking any legal framework, warning it could lead to the forced eviction and displacement of more than 400 people, and the destruction of one of the largest self-organized communities in Europe.
At the same time, two members of the community, Aristotelis Chantzis (since 5 February) and Suzon Doppagne (since 1 May), are on hunger strike until death. Their health conditions are reported as crucial, especially Aristotelis, who has already exceeded 110 days of hunger strike, placing both lives in extreme danger.
Residents, supported by organisations, have challenged the redevelopment through legal complaints, public interventions, parliamentary questions, and solidarity actions. Also, the amnesty international is calling for cancelling of the plan of Region of Attica (*) Despite broad mobilisation from residents, experts, municipalities, artists, academics, lawyers, and international bodies, the Region of Attica continues to refuse dialogue, consultation, or discussion, declaring the matter resolved.
During the press conference, representatives of the Community of Squatted Prosfygika and the Committee for the Promotion and Defense of the Community of Prosfygika and its Collective Memory will speak about the ongoing struggle to protect residents’ lives, the violation of human rights and the rule of law by the Greek government, as well as the hunger strike and procedures followed at European and international level.
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