Eight Non Violent People Fasting in front of the U. S. Embassy in Greece have been arrested.
UPDATE:
The Fasters have been released but not the Captain so calls still should be made for his release and also calls in Northern California to his representatives: Info below.
The State Dept is not saying why they were arrested or allowed them to be arrested. Why didn't the State Department invite them inside? Or did they call the police themselves? They need to be asked.
Pictures of the Dangerous Humanitarian Desperados are here in this Seattle PI Story Pictures 3 & 4
We know the Captain of the US Boat to Gaza was arrested on Friday and has been badly mistreated, e.g., deprived of Food, Water, Access to a Toilet etc. Will our fellow citizens suffer the same fate in this "civilized" country of Greece?
Mondoweiss: Impounded US boat to Gaza by Philip Weiss on July 2, 2011
Greece has become Israel's new friend as the Gaza Blockade de facto has been extended; Israel now controls what goes out of Greek Ports because why?
Greece is so needy for money that Israel is now brokering a devils deal. If Greece blocks the Flotilla from delivering Humanitarian Aide to the people of Gaza then the US will make sure that Greece gets enough money to keep its economy afloat.
Of course neither the working people of the US, Greece or Gaza created this financial mess, but it was of course created by the capitalist speculators that both political parties have defended, supported and allowed to pillage our economy creating untold pain and suffering on the workers in the US, Greece and now Gaza.
Action Alert Update
July 3, 2011 - 6 pm NY time
Just got word from Athens: the 8 people who were fasting in front of the U.S. Embassy have been arrested. They are Ken Mayers, Carol Murry, Medea Benjamin, Paki Wieland, Ray McGovern, Brad Taylor, Kit Kitteridge and Kathy Kelly. We will not have any more news until the morning.
In the meantime, let's keep the pressure on Washington. They need to pressure the Greek government to release our captain, our boat and now these 8 people as well! Let them sail to Gaza!!!
Throughout this country people have responded to our call to contact the U.S. State Department to demand that they take the steps necessary to ensure that the Greek authorities immediately release the captain and let our boat sail to Gaza. In fact, there has been such a strong response that we are hearing their voice mailboxes are full! That's great, but of course frustrating for those of you trying to make those calls.
Here are some other phone numbers and email addresses to try:
•State Department general number: 202-647-4000 - ask for the Overseas U.S. Citizen Services Duty Officer and you'll get a live State Dept. official who has to hear you out.
•The voicemail for Kim Richter - also at the State Dept. - says she's out of the office for several days, and that callers with urgent issues should contact a colleague at 202-647-4578.
•If you can place an international phone call, the number for the U.S. Embassy in Athens is 011-30-210-721-2951.
•You can email the U.S. Embassy in Athens at: athensamemb@state.gov or you can send an email to them at: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
Please also try to call, fax or email your members of Congress as well.
Help us keep the pressure up!!
GET ON BOARD THE U.S. TO GAZA CAMPAIGN
VISIT WWW.USTOGAZA.ORG
Contact information for the Captain's representatives
As you know, CAPTAIN JOHN KLUSMIRE, Kathy Sheetz’ brother, has been imprisoned in Greece for leaving the Greek port with his activist-filled boat, the AUDACITY OF HOPE, to sail to Gaza to break the siege. He was arrested at sea at gunpoint by Greek commandos. This was obviously politically motivated – by the Greek government under pressure from the USA under pressure from the Israel lobby.
Please contact his Congressman Sam Farr, Assemblyman Bill Monning, and Senators immediately to demand USA press for his IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
TO HOLD HIM AS IF HE WERE A SUSPECT OF A SERIOUS CRIME, RATHER THAN A MISDEMEANOR (failing to obey police order to NOT leave dock yet), IS OUTRAGEOUS.
California Senator Feinstein: 202 224 3841
California Senator Barbara Boxer: (202) 224-3553
Congressman SAM FARR:
Salinas Office • 100 W. Alisal Street • Salinas, CA 93901 • Phone: (831) 424-2229 • Toll Free: 800-340-FARR • Fax: (831) 424-7099 •
Santa Cruz Office • 701 Ocean Street, Room 318C • Santa Cruz, CA 95060 • Phone: (831) 429-1976 • Fax: (831) 429-1458
Washington Office • 1126 Longworth HOB • Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-2861 • Fax: (202) 225-6791
Assemblyman BILL MONNING
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0027
Tel: (916) 319-2027
Fax: (916) 319-2127
Santa Cruz County
District Office
701 Ocean Street, 318-B
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: (831) 425-1503
Fax: (831) 425-2570
Monterey / Santa Clara County
District Office
99 Pacific Street, Suite 555D
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: (831) 649-2832
Fax: (831) 649-2935
Santa Clara County
Direct Line:
Tel: (408) 782-0647
Thank you for your immediate action.
Jane Jewell
US To Gaza West - Media Coordinator
mailto:jane@ustogazawest.org
Phone: +1 415 689 GAZA (4292)
http://ustogazawest.org
http://ustogaza.org