Category Archives: Videos

EDL inside perspective: “Beat them already – they’re only blacks!”

On 31 March the EDL had invited to Aarhus, Denmark, to set up a European “anti-islamic alliance”. They got about 160 people to come, we can only guess the important topics discussed, such as strategy for the defense against Muslamic Ray Guns. 4,000 antifascists made a clear point that none of the islamophobes were welcome (there is an argument coming through the window half way through the video).

The DDL, Danish Defense League, recorded their retreat under police protection and put it on YouTube. For the convenience of those of us who do not speak Danish, here is a cut down version with English subtitles.

The repeatedly used term “perker” – here translated as “wog” – is a Danish racist slur directed at people from North Africa and the Middle East. In strength it equals “nigger”, but doesn’t have a direct translation.

And all this after they had made it clear such behaviour would not be tolerated. Quote from the call: “We want to make it clear to racists, neo-Nazis and any other extremists – you are not welcome.” And they nevertheless ended up with a whole busload full of racists.

Following their humiliation in Aarhus and Brighton, the EDL have veered towards the dangerous end in their triangle of  ridiculous – dumb – dangerous, attacking a pensioner in Lewisham.


Free Pussy Riot! at Russian Embassy

In February, the feminist punk band Pussy Riot stormed into Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow and to perform their anti Putin song “Punk prayer”. Ekaterina Samusevich, Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, alleged members of Pussy Riot, were arrested in March, and are charged with “Hooliganism”. They face up to 7 years in jail. Amnesty International has called for their immediate and unconditional release, and said the excessive penalty they are facing makes them prisoners of conscience.

At a trial last Thursday they were remanded for another 2 months in jail, although two of the defendants have young children.

On Monday, 23 April, about 100 people, many of whom wearing neon balaclavas, the trade mark of Pussy Riot, protested outside the Russian Embassy in London, demanding “Free Pussy Riot!”.

Update: Video of the performance that has three young women imprisoned:


Rushes from Greece — Our Present is Your Future

Greek doctors call for solidarity and international cooperation in the fight for a public and free health care system, where patients aren’t made to pay.

We will be adding more videos on the privatisation of the Greek health system soon. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to get the latest updates.

Help us make our special issue DVD on the current struggles in Greece by sharing this video, taking out a subscription or donating. Also keep checking back for the Reel News Supporters scheme which we will be launching soon.

 


Rushes from Greece — Making Patients Pay

While we’re struggling in Britain to save the NHS, the people in Greece are already experiencing what it means to have their health care system privatised. This will be part of a documentary about the drastic cuts to the Greek health care system, won by the people as recently as 1985.

To help us make this and a series of other documentaries on Greece, take out a subscription or make a donation. Also keep a look out for the Reel News Supporter scheme which we will be launching shortly.


On the State of Press Freedom in Greece

On Thursday, 5th April 2012, Marios Lolos, a photojournalist, was hit on the head by a police truncheon while covering a peaceful protest in response to the recent suicide of a 77 year-old  man in protest to austerity measures. Marios Lolos sustained a brain injury and had to have surgery yesterday. We extend our best wishes to him and everyone else who has been injured and wish them the best for their recovery. Read more about the incident on Keep Talking Greece.

Update (9.4.12): A call for eyewitnesses and photo or video evidence of the attack has been published. You can also get in touch with us and we will pass on your info.

Reporters Without Borders had already issued an alarm last autumn, criticising the violence faced by journalists in Greece. In a recent article they also address thinly veiled threats of sexual violence made by police officers against Anthee Carassava, when she attempted to identify officers who had attacked her earlier, in order to be able to report the incident during the Independence Day Parades on 25th March 2012.

by Guy Smallman

On the same day, we witnessed journalist Nectarios Dargakis being arrested twice. The first time, town councilor Petros Kostantinou was also arrested, and both were released after he called a government minister from inside the police van. The second time, Nectarios Dargakis did get arrested. In both incidents officers tried to stop us from filming.

Marios Lolos is the president of the union of photojournalists in Greece, EFE issued a statement following the attacks on him and other journalists (see English version). The London Photographers branch of the NUJ has published a letter of support.

 


Rushes from Greece — ALANYA close motorway toll collection

Members of the Solidarity, Disobedience and Resistance movement (ALANYA) carry out an action at the hated Athens motorway toll. The toll was introduced to pay for the road. The activists argued that the toll was illegal as the road had been paid for many times over. So they regularly close several lanes and then wave traffic through the remaining open ones without paying. The actions usually go unchallenged by the authorities and are extremely popular with motorists.

See slideshow.


Rushes from Greece — Greek health workers on strike & on the streets

Today staff from several Athens Hospitals walked out over cuts to services and their wages. A march was held through Athens while doctors protested outside the health ministry. Riot police protected the offices of the finance ministry near the start of the march. The building has been occupied by angry workers on several previous occasions. The dispute has been running for over a month with regular action by staff ranging from senior doctors to hospital cleaners.

See photo slideshow.


Rushes from Greece — ALANYA Action at Tax Office

Don’t Pay Alanya protest against additional housing taxes, imposed after people have already paid the regular housing tax. Again, non payment results with the imposition of electricity cuts. The Don’t Pay movement ALANYA protested outside and then invaded the tax offices, haranguing nervous looking bosses and speaking to sympathetic clerks.

 

Correction 27/03/12: The action was carried out by ALANYA, which stands for Solidarity, Disobedience, Resistance, a group that has come out of the Don’t Pay movement.


Rushes from Greece – Potato Movement

While farmers don’t get a whole lot for their potatoes, in the shops they are rather expensive. In response, sales have plummeted. When farmers couldn’t sell their produce, and decided to give it away rather than have it go to waste, it was the start of the potato movement: Farmers and consumers are in direct contact on the internet and bypass traditional allocation structures, increasing the profit for farmers and lowering the prices for consumers. Reel News went to film the delivery of not only potatoes, but for the first time also olive oil and honey.