ATHENS, Greece: June 22, 2026
Aristotelis Chantzis, who has been on hunger strike for 138 days in defence of the Community of Squatted Prosfygika, was hospitalised yesterday following the onset of acute neurological symptoms. His condition has deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
Chantzis currently weighs 35 kg; a loss of 44% of his initial body weight, and presents with a BMI of 13.3. He is severely weakened, with oedema in both lower limbs and an inability to stand unaided, significantly limiting his mobility.
One day after his hospitalization, more than 5,000 people gathered in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens to demand the cancellation of the planned eviction of the Prosfygika Community and to call for all residents to remain in their homes and neighborhood : the place where they have built lasting social and communal ties.
About the Community of Squatted Prosfygika
Over the past 16 years, the Community of Squatted Prosfygika has established a self-organised and cooperative home for over 400 residents from more than 27 countries, operating on the principles of equality, horizontal governance, and direct democracy. The community sustains 22 autonomous structures serving both its residents and the surrounding districts, including a children’s structure, a collective kitchen and café, a bakery, a hosting facility for cancer patients and their relatives, a health structure and social pharmacy, and technical and logistics structures.
Disputed Decision and Threat of Eviction
Despite this established community, the Region of Attica approved Decision No. 864/2025, which describes the Prosfygika buildings as “vacant” and advances a redevelopment project funded through European resources. Residents and supporters reject this characterisation as factually false and legally unfounded, warning that if implemented it would result in the forced displacement of more than 400 people and the destruction of one of the largest self-organised communities in Europe.
In opposition to the planned eviction, two community members have declared hunger strikes until death: Aristotelis Chantzis, who began his strike on 5 February 2026, and Suzon Doppagne, who began hers on 1 May 2026.
Government Response
Despite the life-threatening condition of both hunger strikers, spokespeople for the Mitsotakis Government (Nea Demokratia) and the Region of Attica have announced the continuation of eviction plans. Both Chantzis and Doppagne have reiterated their resolve to continue.
Statements
Aristotelis Chantzis, speaking on his way to hospital, declared: “The struggle does not retreat — it has now begun. We will win until justice or death. We are responsible for 400 lives, we are responsible for our society, and we will win. Our struggle is just and I will not retreat until justice is done.”
Suzon Doppagne, upon visiting Chantzis in hospital, stated: “We’re right — we know it, you know it, society knows it. The truth is out there. We know who bears accountability for Aristos’ death, and that is the Government of Mitsotakis and the Region of Attica. Aristos will continue, I will continue, the community will continue. Either we will win — or we will win.”