Three trials for the five arrested in the violent attack by the MAT after the “forbidden” march of the Polytechnic University in 2020 in Sepolia, are taking place this week. In the dock of the accused in three separate trials on December 11, 12 and 13the three members of a family are called, the father Dimitris Kattis, the children Orestis and Lydia Kattis and Nikolas Kavaklis, Makis Livanis. All five were arrested after previously being chased and severely beaten during the brutal crackdown on November 17, 2020 in Sepolion Metro. Three trials for which the indictment was set up with false testimony from the police. The political prosecution of the 5 defendants is conducted with unprecedented institutional methods to cover up the unneeded barbaric repression in a neighborhood of Athens, on residents in the yard of their house, on a family.
To recall the facts: In november 2020, the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis banned “gatherings” and the Polytechnic march under the pretext of the Covid 19 pandemic. political organizations,unions and agencies broke the ban with militant demonstrations in Athens and in all big cities.The government responded with an out-of-control crescendo of police violence, arrests of hundreds of protesters and arrests across the country.
Upon completion of the march from the Larissa Station to the Sepolion Metro, strong forces of the DELTA group suddenly appeared, rushed the demonstrators and chased them. They rushed into the hallway of the apartment building where the Kattis family resides,harassed and arrested Orestis Kattis,beat his mother who resisted,severely beat his sister Lydia Kattis,handcuffed the protesters Nikolas Kavaklis and Makis Livani who reacted to the harassment. Father Dimitris Katis reacted strongly to the arrests, who was also beaten and showed symptoms of a heart attack. The police officers present initially did not allow the ambulance to take him to the hospital.
The five arrested Orestis Kattis, Lydia Kattis, nikolas Kavaklis, Makis livanis and Dimitris Kattis were charged with false and fabricated charges of disturbing the peace, disobedience, causing simple bodily harm, insulting, violating COVID-19 measures, risky bodily harm, resisting the authority . The first 4 arrested were referred to trial, while Dimitris Kattis was referred to a separate trial.
The first trial began in October 2021. In it, all the above facts were demonstrated with piles of evidence, testimonies and videos in which the orgy of police violence against the gathered, inside the block of flats and outside the police station is recorded. The fabricated accusations, with the only testimony of the police officers who were at the events and participated in the arrests and arrests, collapsed in the courtroom.
After 3 months, in May 2022 and while the decision in the last hearing was expected, the president was suddenly removed from the judiciary. But rather of this continuing, with an unprecedented decision for judicial times, the entire trial was canceled and a new one was set from the beginning. Four years after the arrests, with a second unprecedented decision instead of
all the trials were consolidated into one, the 4 defendants were separated and their referral to two trials was announced. One for Lydia kattis, Kavaklis Nikolas and Makis livani, a separate one for Orestis Kattis, while the third trial for Dimitris kattis is also pending.
The continuation of the political prosecution against them is a blatant police vindictive plot that highlights state authoritarianism and the restriction of democratic freedoms.
Sepolio trial: The arrested of the prohibited march are back in court
Video-documentary from the repression orgy in Sepolia (17.11.20)
What are the main charges against the Kattis family and their co-defendants in the ongoing trials?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Dr.Elena Papadopoulos, Political Analyst
Time.News Editor (TNE): Good day,Dr. Papadopoulos. thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen a lot of media attention surrounding the trials of the Kattis family and their co-defendants this week. Could you provide us with a brief background on the events leading to these trials?
Dr. Elena Papadopoulos (EP): Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The events stem from a important moment in Greek history. On November 17, 2020, the Greek government implemented a ban on gatherings, citing the Covid-19 pandemic as the primary reason. This prohibition, though, was particularly controversial given that it aimed to limit the annual demonstration commemorating the Polytechnic Uprising of 1973, which is a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression in Greece.
TNE: That sounds like an crucial context. The Kattis family and others were involved in protests against this ban, right?
EP: Yes, exactly. Following the ban, various political organizations and unions defied these restrictions, leading to widespread protests across Athens and other major cities. The reaction from the government was severe; we witnessed a rapid escalation of police violence. many protesters, including the Kattis family, found themselves subjected to brutal treatment, including arrests and beatings.
TNE: The trials that are currently taking place seem to be quite contentious. What are the key issues at stake in these proceedings?
EP: The trials, occurring over december 11-13, focus on serious allegations against the five defendants, including the Kattis family members. Many observers, including activists and legal experts, suggest that the evidence presented against them is based on false police testimony. Furthermore, the context of political repression cannot be overlooked; many view this as an attempt by the authorities to stifle dissent and obscure the excessive use of force during the 2020 protests.
TNE: You mentioned that this seems like a political prosecution. Can you elaborate on that?
EP: Certainly. The term ‘political prosecution’ refers to legal actions taken against individuals primarily for their political beliefs or activities. In this case, the government’s use of institutional power to pursue charges against these protesters can be seen as a method of quelling dissent and sending a message about the consequences of public opposition. it raises significant concerns about civil liberties and the state’s responsibility to uphold citizens’ rights to protest.
TNE: It sounds like there’s a broader narrative about state power and public resistance here. how has public sentiment in Greece shifted regarding these actions by the government?
EP: There has been a growing outrage among segments of the populace regarding police brutality and the government’s approach to managing protests. Many citizens, especially younger generations who value democratic freedoms, are deeply concerned about the implications of such state actions for the future of civic engagement in greece. Protests and public forums have garnered support, demonstrating a clear demand for accountability.
TNE: Where do you see the outcome of these trials heading? What impact might it have on Greek society moving forward?
EP: The outcomes of these trials are hard to predict, but they will undoubtedly have significant implications. If the courts rule against the defendants, it could reinforce a culture of fear surrounding activism and dissent. Conversely, an acquittal might empower more citizens to speak out against governmental overreach, perhaps leading to greater mobilization for civil rights. Either way, these trials are emblematic of a critical juncture in how greek society navigates the balance between security and civil liberties.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for providing such valuable insights on this crucial issue. It will be engaging to follow the developments in these trials and their repercussions on Greek society.
EP: Thank you for having me.It’s essential to keep these conversations going, as they impact the basic fabric of our democracy.