A Call to Support the Iranian Refugees on Hunger Strike in Athens

Some of Iranian refugees in Athens, Greece waiting their request for asylum from UNHCR, have gone on hunger strike after their meeting with the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs on July 25, 2010. This demonstration is taking place in front of the UNHCR office in Athens. The Deputy Minister told the refugees that due to friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Greece can’t accept the Iranian refugees.

The Iranian refugees, who have fled Iran to escape persecution by the Iranian government, are having a very difficult time in Greece. Not only they don’t benefit from a lawful and safe life for a refugee based on the 1951 Geneva Convention but they are being harassed and intimidated by the Greek authorities. It is believed that the Greek police treats the refugees violently. This is all while, according to the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, there are about 3,000 Iranian refugees in the Greek prisons. Their economic situation of the Iranian refugees is as bad as their legal condition.

One of the demonstrators by the name of Hamid Sadeghi has sewn his lips in protest to this horrific situation. Today marks the 21st day of the strike. The health condition of Hamid Sadeghi and Vahid Farsh Baaf is dangerously deteriorating. On August 13, the Greek police attacked their tents they had set up outside of UNHCR office and both Hamid and Vahid were arrested. They were freed later but the situation has not improved.

We demand for UNHCR to process their application and grant them asylum as soon as possible. We want the UNHCR to facilitate their transfer to another refugee host country if there is no legal way for processing their request in Greece. Further, we hold the office of UNHCR responsible if any harm comes to the refugees and for the horrific conditions they are subjected to in Greece.
This situation can not continue.